Seven dead in building fire in Nice, France, arson investigated

Despite the considerable effort, “unfortunately seven people lost their lives in this fire,” the fire department said.

Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli said investigators were looking into whether the fire was “criminally” motivated.

“In view of the initial evidence, I have launched an investigation into arson resulting in death,” he told reporters at the scene.

Among the victims were three children and a teenager, he added.

Emergency responders said one person was taken to hospital as an “absolute emergency” and two others as “relative emergencies.”

Rescue workers said they were confronted with a “violent apartment fire” on the seventh floor of the building. They conducted three rescues using aerial ladders and evacuated dozens.

A total of 25 fire engines and 72 firefighters were involved in fighting the fire.

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