Information
In the southeastern French city of Nice, a suspected arson attack has claimed the lives of seven people, including three children and a teenager. The fire, which occurred around 3 a.m. in the Moulins suburb, ravaged a top-floor apartment, prompting an investigation into arson leading to death. Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli confirmed the inquiry is focusing on a criminal case, with evidence suggesting the fire was deliberately set. Mayor Christian Estrosi mentioned that security footage shows hooded individuals spreading petrol in the stairwell, indicating a possible link to a local turf war between drug gangs. First Deputy Mayor Anthony Borre condemned the act as barbaric, urging a strong response from the authorities.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing shock over the high number of victims and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, along with Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, visiting the scene to oversee the search for suspects. The victims included three children aged 5, 7, and 10, and three adults from a Comorian family, with a 17-year-old boy dying after jumping out of a window. A 47-year-old man also jumped but survived with serious injuries. Two family members reportedly survived the fire, though they are deeply distraught. Quick response by firefighters is believed to have prevented further casualties despite the tragic loss of life. Residents shared harrowing accounts of their escape, highlighting the severity and suddenness of the blaze.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So what
While it is not yet clear what the motives were, if it does turn out to be gang-related, it highlights the growing threat that gangs are posing around Europe. Similar levels of violence are commonly seen between gangs in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, where gangs fight for control over drug trafficking routes. Unfortunately, in such situations, it is difficult to track down the attackers because people fear retribution; due to this, it is unlikely people will be brought to account. It is also possible it could lead to further revenge attacks if it is gang-related.
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