A massive fire broke out in a holiday home catering to individuals with learning disabilities in Wintzenheim, eastern France, leaving eleven people missing. The property, associated with a charity aiding young individuals with disabilities, witnessed the blaze that summoned nearly 80 firefighters to the scene.
The distress call reached emergency services at approximately 06:30 local time (05:30 BST) on Wednesday. Out of the many present at the property when the fire erupted, 17 were evacuated, with one individual hospitalized.
French Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, confirmed the ongoing rescue operation, highlighting the possibility of multiple casualties due to the intense fire in Wintzenheim, a town situated near the German border.
The local government of the Haut-Rhin region released a statement elucidating that the missing eleven belonged to a group from Nancy, another city in eastern France. In spite of the fire’s ferocity, four fire engines and the swift action of 76 firefighters managed to control the flames promptly.
In a display of solidarity and support, French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, accompanied by families minister Aurore Bergé, are en route to Wintzenheim to stand with the victims and their grieving families.
