Around fifteen firefighters are still on the scene of the fire which ravaged the rue Eugène-Delacroix shopping center, in the heart of the Saint-Jean district, in Châteauroux, on the night of Monday December 16 to Tuesday December 17, 2024. 7 a.m., the disaster was “controlled” according to the Indre firefighters but “the work of cleaning and clearing” promised to be a long time yet.
It was 1:50 a.m. when emergency services were called to the scene. At the height of the fight against the flames, fifty firefighters and around fifteen engines from Châteauroux, Déols, Ardentes, Niherne, Buzançais and Saint-Maur were mobilized. One of them, aged 19 and feeling unwell, was transported to the hospital center to carry out check-ups. “There were probably gas canisters because we heard explosions”says Florence Petipez, deputy mayor of Châteauroux, who went to the scene.
The criminal trail is emerging
Contacted by us, the public prosecutor of Châteauroux David Marcat confirmed, at the end of the morning, that the criminal trail. “I do not wish to communicate any further information at this time”he clarified. According to our information, images from video surveillance cameras show at least two individuals with cans of flammable product near the scene before the disaster. The prefect of Indre Thibault Lanxade, who also visited the scene, does not confirm: “We have to wait for the first elements of the investigation to understand what happened. »
The cause of the fire could be criminal.
© Photo City of Châteauroux
The Sitis supermarket and several adjoining shops were destroyed by the flames. “The fire stopped at La Poste, specifies Florence Petipez. Four shops including the bakery and the tea room were set on fire. » At least a dozen people are unemployed this morning, firefighters said. A number that could rise as officials arrive on site. La Poste has, according to our journalist on site, decided not to open this Tuesday. Just like the pharmacy, also without electricity. “The affected traders are in a state of astonishment, the prefect was able to observe. State services will take care of it and process requests for partial unemployment if there are any. »
In addition to the Sitis supermarket, several adjoining shops were destroyed by the flames, including the bakery and the tea room.
© Photo City of Châteauroux
The Édith-Piaf room open to firefighters
The national and municipal police made the first observations while city agents removed the concrete blocks installed around the shopping center to facilitate emergency intervention. “It’s dramatic for the Saint-Jean district, it’s a place of life that has left”laments Florence Petipez. According to her, the city’s mayor and Minister of Sports, Gil Avérous, is closely following the evolution of the situation. “I spoke to him several times on the phone. »
Firefighters were alerted around 1:50 a.m.
© Photo City of Châteauroux
Fortunately, the disaster occurred in a relatively open area, far from any habitation, and no rehousing was necessary. The Édith-Piaf room was opened so that firefighters could rest and eat. It will be a long day.
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