Eleven individuals are currently unaccounted for following an early Wednesday fire that erupted in a holiday residence designed for people with disabilities in eastern France. Simultaneously, seventeen others have been safely evacuated from the scene.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin conveyed via Twitter that a fire had broken out in a facility catering to disabled individuals located in the town of Wintzenheim, situated near the German border. Despite the swift and courageous response of the firefighting units, he reported several casualties, while ongoing rescue efforts continue.
According to the local administration of the Haut-Rhin region, the blaze originated at 6:30 a.m. within private lodgings in Wintzenheim. Seventeen occupants were successfully evacuated, with one individual requiring immediate medical attention at a hospital.
Christophe Marot, the Secretary General of the local administration, revealed on news broadcaster France Info that the group comprised adults with “minor intellectual disabilities.” Among the missing are ten disabled individuals and one accompanying person.
Typically residing in the city of Nancy in eastern France, the group had been utilizing the building for their vacation, as indicated by a statement from the Haut-Rhin prefecture.
A total of 76 firefighters, four fire engines, four ambulances, and forty police officers were promptly dispatched to contain the fire, provide medical aid, and manage the situation. The fire was swiftly brought under control, according to official statements.
In response to the tragedy, French President Emmanuel Macron shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), expressing sympathy for the victims, the injured, and their families, while also expressing gratitude to the security forces and emergency services.
Additionally, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne communicated on X that she was en route to the fire site.
