3 dead, dozens injured as large fire erupts in apartment building in Paris (PHOTOS)
Three people have died and one was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris. Another 27 people including a firefighter also received minor injuries resulting from smoke inhalation.
One of the victims died after jumping out of the window while two others perished in the flames, a spokesman for the fire department said.
According to firefighters, the flame erupted early Saturday morning in a 6-story apartment building in Paris’ 11th district, rue de Nemours. The structure also houses a restaurant and a steam room.
PARIS : Trois morts et 28 blessés dont un grave dans l'#incendie d'un immeuble rue de Nemours, dans le 11ᵉ arrondissement. Une cage d'escalier s'est totalement embrasée sur 6 étages, nombreux pompiers sur place (pompiers). pic.twitter.com/OmMkxAwEej
— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrancaises) June 22, 2019
“Fifteen rescues were made immediately by ladders and scales hooks,” said Fire Department captain Florian Lointier said.
According to locals, the building was under reconstruction, which allowed several residents to escape via the scaffolding.
Nos équipes sont pleinement mobilisées aux côtés des @PompiersParis et @samudeparis pour prendre en charge les blessés et les impliqués. Nous procédons à plusieurs évacuations sanitaires, un centre d’accueil des impliqués est établi #incendie#nemourspic.twitter.com/ctzEGGMRGh
— Protec Paris Seine (@PCParisSeine) June 22, 2019
The fire was brought under control by 9am, but firefighters were still at the scene around noon extinguishing the remaining incendiary spots to prevent the fire from resuming.
🇫🇷 ALERTE - Un #incendie s'est déclaré à #Paris vers 5h du matin rue de #Nemours (11e arr.), dans un immeuble d'habitation. 198 pompiers sont mobilisés. Le bilan est lourd : 3 morts (2 brûlés, 1 défenestré) et 27 blessés graves. Le feu n'est pas encore éteint. (Sud Radio) pic.twitter.com/roqh6fAh6U
— La Plume Libre (@LPLdirect) June 22, 2019
A total of up to 200 firefighters awere called to the scene, assisted by some 50 vehicles.
According to Lointier, the fire broke out in the stairwell, though its cause has yet to be determined. The stairwell and the restaurant on the first floor were damaged the most.
