On July 18, 2024, seven people were killed and thirty-three others were injured in an arson attack in Nice, France.
Fire
The fire started after unknown men ignited petrol that was poured in a stairwell at around 2:30p.m. on the seventh floor of an apartment building in Les Moulins, Nice. The fire quickly spread, killing six people from the same family including three young children and three adults, while a teenager died jumping from a window.[1] Thirty people suffered smoke inhalation injuries while three other injured people, including a man who jumped from a window trying to escape the fire and was severely injured, were taken to hospital.[2] A total of 25 fire engines and 72 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze.
Aftermath
One suspect was arrested on July 22, 2024, by French police.[3]
Victims
The seven victims consisted of three young children ages five, seven, ten, three adults and a 17-year-old who died indirectly by jumping out a window trying to escape the fire.[4]
Responses
The French police stated they were searching for three suspects.[5]
Anthony Borre, Nice's deputy mayor, said "These actions are serious, they are barbaric,..." adding that he hoped for a strong response by the authorities once the investigation was over.
Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli said investigators were looking into a criminal cause for the fire.
