One civilian died in a massive fire, arson is suspected.
A massive fire broke out in Paris apartment block on Tuesday’s early morning, 5th of February. It took about 200 firefighters and several hours to extinguish the blaze while six firefighters and at least thirty one civilian were injured during the process. The death toll of the tragedy is currently 10 people but it can rise due to the severe burns and serious injuries of other victims.
French President Emmanuel Macron already expressed his condolences and stated that “France wakes up with emotion after the fire in rue Erlanger in Paris last night.”
People caught in the horrible fire describe it as a “scene of incredible violence”.
According to Jacqueline Ravier, a witness interviews by Associated Press, residents of the burning apartment block were evacuated and brought to the surrounding buildings of the same wealthy neighborhood. Jacqueline also described some gruesome details of the fire including a woman screaming for help, motionless victims lying in the street and a naked young man blackened by smoke. People also have taken refuge on the roofs and almost thirty fire victims had to be evacuated with ladders.
While it is still unknown what caused the massive fire, one person was already arrested and an investigation opened into a criminal charge. Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz stated that one woman was arrested on suspicion of causing arson.