A devastating fire occurred in a vacation home for adults with disabilities in eastern France on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 11 individuals, according to Nathalie Kielwasser, the deputy prosecutor for Colmar. The fire trapped 11 people who were sleeping on the upper floor and in a mezzanine area of the private accommodation in Wintzenheim, while five managed to escape. The ground floor occupants, totaling twelve individuals, were able to evacuate. The adults with slight intellectual disabilities were part of a sponsored vacation organized by two specialized associations. The investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire and whether the building met all safety standards.
One survivor was sent to the hospital with serious injuries. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne visited the scene to show the government’s support for the victims’ families, as well as the firefighters and rescuers involved in the operation. Lt. Col. Philippe Hauwiller, leading the rescue work, stated that the fire likely originated on the home’s upper floor. The rapid spread of the fire could be attributed to the upper part of the building being constructed entirely of wood, following the traditional style of the region, while the ground floor was made of stone.
The fire broke out at 6:30 a.m., as reported by the local administration of the Haut-Rhin region. Ten individuals with disabilities and one accompanying person were presumed to be among the deceased. Most of the visitors hailed from the city of Nancy in eastern France. The fire department dispatched 76 firefighters, four fire engines, four ambulances, and 40 police officers to control the blaze and provide assistance. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter, and thanked the security forces and emergency services involved.
In conclusion, this tragic incident emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper safety measures in buildings accommodating individuals with disabilities. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating fire.
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