Tragic Arson in Nice: Family of Seven Perishes in Blaze

Seven people, including three children, died in a suspected arson fire in a seventh-floor apartment in Nice, France. The blaze spread rapidly, thwarting rescue efforts. An investigation is underway, while officials noted suspects wearing balaclavas in the vicinity. Government representatives will visit the scene.

Tragedy struck in Nice, France, early Thursday as a suspected arson fire claimed the lives of seven people, including three children and their mother. The devastating blaze occurred in a seventh-floor apartment and spread quickly, limiting rescue opportunities to those near windows, according to Hugues Moutouh, a local representative of the interior ministry, during a broadcast on TV station BFM.

Among the victims were a man, a teenager, two women, and three children. One victim made a desperate attempt to escape by jumping out of a window tied to a mattress. 'The family's mother had tried to take her children to safety beside the window but tragically never returned after re-entering the blaze to rescue her three little ones,' Moutouh told reporters.

An investigation has been launched by the city's prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, into the possibility of a voluntarily started and criminally motivated fire. 'Further details will be released as the investigation progresses, but we are starting from the assumption of arson,' he confirmed.

City mayor Christian Estrosi reported that CCTV footage showed individuals wearing balaclavas in the area. The building is situated in the Moulins neighborhood, known for its deteriorating social housing towers, similar to many 'banlieues' across France.

Acting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Acting Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin are scheduled to visit the affected area.

(With inputs from agencies.)