2024 Nice arson attack explained

2024 Nice fire
Location:Les Moulins, Nice, France
Timezone:CEST
Type:Arson, Mass murder, Familicide
Fatalities:7 (including one indirectly)
Injuries:33
Perpetrators:Unknown
Weapon:Petrol
Motive:Unknown

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 2:30 p.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]

French president Emmanuel Macron stated that his thoughts were with the loved ones of those who died.

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.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated “What happened here, this fire, is absolutely awful and revolting,...”.

Notes and References

  1. News: 18 July 2024 . At least seven killed in an apartment fire in Nice . 29 August 2024 . . en.
  2. News: 18 July 2024 . French police hunt for arson suspects after seven killed in fire in Nice . 29 August 2024 . . en.
  3. Web site: July 22, 2024 . French police hold suspect in deadly Nice fire . October 19, 2024 . . en.
  4. Web site: 18 July 2024 . Suspected arson attack in Nice kills 7 including children . 29 August 2024 . . en.
  5. Web site: 18 July 2024 . Police search for three arson suspects after seven killed in Nice building fire . 29 August 2024 . . en.