FRANCE, FEB 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) A fire that quickly spread through a multi-story residential building in Paris on Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of 10 people and left about 30 others injured,
The fire department has warned the death toll could go up as some of the injured with in a serious condition and firefighters were still searching the building, where the fire broke out at about 1 am local time (12 am GMT).
Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz, who visited the scene, told reporters the incident may have been a criminal act and that a suspect had been arrested not far from the building, shortly after the fire began.
He said an investigation had been opened into a “voluntary fire that has caused deaths.”
Heitz said a 40-year-old woman with a history of mental health issues had been arrested.
The blaze mainly affected the interior of the building, which has an internal courtyard, complicating rescue efforts.
Many people escaping flames and smoke scrambled to the roof of the building.
The fire department said two blocks adjacent to the building on fire were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner, who also visited the scene, said the fire started on the second floor and its flames spread with unusual speed.
He highlighted the efforts of the 250 firefighters who had deployed to the scene, whose work saved the lives of about 50 people.
“Without the bravery and exceptional work of Paris’ firefighters, the toll would have been even worse,” the minister said in a tweet.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Twitter Tuesday that the city “is in mourning” and the Council of Paris opened with a minute’s silence.
The 1970s building is situated on Rue Erlanger in the 16th district and near Bois de Bologne, a large public park in an area which houses upscale shops and restaurants and is popular with tourists.
Prominent landmarks nearby include the Trocadero overlooking the Eiffel Tower and Paris Saint-Germain’s home stadium.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter: “France wakes up emotionally after the fire on Erlanger Street in Paris tonight. Thoughts with the victims. Thank you to the firefighters whose bravery saved many lives.”