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.
“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.
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.
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.