Tragic Apartment Fire in Nice Claims Seven Lives
A devastating fire broke out in an apartment block in Nice, southern France, resulting in the tragic death of seven people, including three children aged five, seven, and ten. The fire, which authorities believe was deliberately set, has left the community and the entire nation in shock.
Deliberate Arson Suspected
Preliminary investigations by the public prosecutor's office indicate that the fire was deliberately set on the three lower floors of the apartment block. Video footage showed three masked men pouring gasoline into the stairwell and igniting it around 3 a.m. The flames quickly spread to the top floor, engulfing the entire building. The suspects, who are still at large, are believed to be involved in drug trafficking in the problem district of 'Les Moulins.'
Community and Authorities React
The incident has sparked outrage and grief among residents and officials alike. Nice's mayor Christian Estrosi suspects a connection between the arson and the authorities' ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the area. The police had recently managed to drive dealers out of some of the apartment blocks. 'I hope that these barbarians are found as soon as possible and sentenced for the rest of their lives,' said Estrosi.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who visited the scene, expressed his deep sorrow and determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. 'Everything is being done to find them, and they will be punished very severely,' he stated. The victims' family, originally from the Comoros, has been particularly affected by the tragedy.
Eyewitness Accounts and Community Response
Dramatic scenes unfolded as two people jumped from the seventh floor to escape the flames; one of them died. Eyewitnesses, including police officers, were left in shock. Residents of the district, feeling abandoned by politics, confronted Mayor Estrosi, expressing their frustration and anger. 'We are not dealers, we are decent people,' shouted residents, highlighting the broader social issues in the district dominated by drug trafficking.
- It was around 2:30 a.m. when the fire erupted, claiming the lives of seven people, including three children and a 17-year-old teenager. The community is grappling with the loss and the horrific nature of the crime.
- Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, alongside other officials, visited the site, emphasizing the seriousness of the investigation. The authorities are determined to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
- The incident has brought to light the ongoing issues of drug trafficking in 'Les Moulins,' a problem area in Nice. The community's reaction underscores the need for more effective measures to ensure safety and address the root causes of such violence.
