Tragic fire claims seven lives in Nice, France

Seven people lost their lives in Thursday in an early Thursday morning fire at an apartment building in the southern French city of Nice.

Authorities are investigating the blaze, which may have been deliberately set.

Among the victims were three children aged 5, 7, and 10, along with a 17-year-old who tried to escape by jumping from a window, according to officials.

The apartment, located in a neighborhood known for drug activity, was home to a family believed to be of Comoran descent, said regional prefect Hugues Moutouh.

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Emergency responders were alerted to the fire around 2:30 am local time on the building’s seventh floor in the Les Moulins area.

Despite efforts from 25 fire engines and 72 firefighters, seven people perished in the blaze, with three others hospitalized, one in critical condition.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin credited the swift response of firefighters with preventing further casualties, while Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli indicated the fire is being treated as a criminal act.

The fire is believed to have started on the building’s second floor before spreading to higher levels, prompting the evacuation of 20 people to temporary accommodations.

Mayor Christian Estrosi announced the establishment of a crisis unit to aid those affected by the tragedy.

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