Children among 10 killed in fire at seven-storey apartment block near Lyon
Around 180 firefighters at scene of blaze and area has been cordoned off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 10 people have been killed in a fire at a residential building in Vaulx-en-Velin near the French city of Lyon, the local government said.
The death toll includes five children aged between three and 15, officials said, and around 180 firefighters are at the scene of the blaze.
A security cordon has been set up around the site of the fire, local officials for the Lyon and Rhone region said. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
Officials said the fire tore through the seven-storey building in the early hours of Friday morning.
Another 14 people have been injured in the blaze, including two firefighters, according to global security risk and management firm Crisis24, which said the fire started around 3am CEST.
Authorities are diverting the buses from the area, it said, adding that transport and business disruptions are expected to impact the area throughout the day as officials look to rescue people and investigate the cause of the fire.
The French interior minister has said the administration will investigate the fire incident.
The fire has now been extinguished, the minister Gerald Darmanin said, adding that he was heading to the site.
“We do not know the cause of the fire... there are several scenarios and a probe will be opened,” the minister said. He added that he was in touch with president Emmanuel Macron over the fire.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments