This Monday, November 25, a fire ravaged the Albatros restaurant in Palavas-les-Flots. As the material damage was numerous, the owner of the establishment was forced to close for five to six months. An upheaval for employees who find themselves technically unemployed. Fortunately, “no injuries were reported” reassures the restaurateur. In the aftermath of the disaster, all that remained were walls blackened by flames, a dusty floor and a strong smell, “It hurts my heart” confides Serge, one of the local residents. Neighbor of the Albatross, he experienced the drama first hand, “When I heard the first explosion, I told myself it was a car exhaust. It was at the third detonation that I went out and saw the flames”he explains.
An emblematic restaurant in Palavas-les-Flots
For many, Albatross is a must in Palavas-les-Flots. This is the case of Pascal who has lived in the city for 45 years: “It’s open almost all the time, the atmosphere is good, it’s in a great location, we ate well… I hope it will start up again soon enough,” says the retiree. Alongside him, Henry lives in a village around Montpellier and yet he often comes to this address: “I didn’t know about the fire, I came with my family thinking of having a coffee, but oh well… Next time.”
Disconcerted, Henry wonders how the fire started? The restaurant owner knows it was accidental. but precisely, it is still too early to know where the disaster started. One of the adjacent apartments was also affected by the flames but no one was inside. An investigation was opened by the Montpellier public prosecutor's office.
