in Nice, several charred cars in the private parking lot of a residence

It was precisely midnight on Saturday when the residents of Parc Florentin, a residence located west of Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), heard a large explosion. A Honda Civic was then destroyed by fire in the private parking lot. It didn't take long for the flames to spread to eight other vehicles parked nearby. Six were completely charred and three more or less damaged by the fire. Quickly dispatched to the scene, firefighters put an end to the fire with heavy blows of a fire hose. No injuries were reported.

On site, no one believes the accidental thesis. “It’s criminal, no doubt!”testifies with conviction a member of the union council, busy Monday morning covering with tape the garages located just opposite the charred cars. “Several hooded guys were seen running away just as the fire started. We have videos!”he continues. Images that the man refuses to show us, following police instructions.

Uber driver exonerated

In fact, an investigation was opened by the Nice prosecutor's office and entrusted to the local judicial police service (SLPJ). “For the moment, we are not favoring any hypothesis”indicates a police source. “There was talk of people fleeing in a black Ford, but it was in fact an Uber driver. This man has been exonerated”specifies the same source.

The member of the union council does not budge: “There are 200 lots here and about 500 residents, so a lot of coming and going. It’s far from always being zen”he comments, evoking the presence of a few “criminals” among the inhabitants. Criminals, but also many residents with no history, including several owners of the cars destroyed in the fire. “At least two had to take them to go away during the holidays. It might be complicated…”observes the member of the trustee, his roll of tape still in his hand.