A fire engulfed a vacation residence tailored for adults with disabilities, resulting in a loss of 11 lives, according to the head of rescue operations, Lt. Col. Philippe Hauwiller.
The fire took place on Wednesday, August 9, in Wintzenheim, located in eastern France.
As per Lt. Col. Hauwiller’s update, rescue teams were actively searching for two individuals who were unaccounted for, raising concerns about their ability to evacuate during the fire. Out of those present at the site, 17 were safely evacuated, with one individual being admitted to the hospital for severe injuries.
The blaze began at 6:30 am. While those on the ground floor managed to evacuate, 11 residents on an upper floor and a mezzanine found themselves trapped. Subsequently, the mezzanine experienced a structural collapse.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne communicated her intention to visit the site of the incident, as shared on her social media platform.
The facility was home to adults described as having “moderate intellectual disabilities.” The fire brigade’s quick response ensured the fire was efficiently contained and controlled, as outlined in a formal statement.