At least nine people were tragically killed in a fire that broke out at a vacation home for disabled people in Wintzenheim, eastern France. The fire engulfed a significant portion of the building, which was hosting adults with disabilities who were on summer holiday from Nancy, a city northwest of Wintzenheim.
The fire started at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, rapidly spreading and consuming a total area of about 3,200 square feet out of the 5,400 square foot structure. Despite the courageous efforts of 76 firefighters, four fire trucks, and four ambulances, the blaze was only brought under control by 9 a.m., according to the prefecture of Haut Rhin.
Tragically, nine bodies have been found so far, with three of the victims being identified using drones. Additionally, two individuals are still missing and feared dead. The victims were believed to be between the ages of 27 and 50. The building was completely destroyed, with only the ground floor remaining.
Christophe Marot, a senior official in Haut Rhin, expressed the heartbreaking reality that those inside the building could not escape the flames. He described the situation as “very tragic” and stated that they knew people were trapped.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin praised the rapid response and bravery of the fire department, while President Emmanuel Macron offered condolences to the victims and their loved ones. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that she would be traveling to Wintzenheim, accompanied by Aurore Bergé, the minister for solidarity, personal independence, and disabled people.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause of the fire. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.