Sunday morning, rue du Commerce in Poitiers was the scene of an arson attack which mobilized nearly 70 firefighters.
According to France Bleu, the fire, started in front of a building near Place de France, quickly spread to the facade, damaging several apartments. The intervention of the emergency services made it possible to bring the fire under control, but the event left the neighborhood in shock.
“We were called around 6 a.m.,” said Alice David, deputy commissioner of Poitiers. “The fire spread to several homes facing the street, making it necessary to evacuate residents. » Around twenty local residents were welcomed in a neighboring school, made available by the town hall.
A worrying human toll
The fire caused significant smoke emissions, requiring the hospitalization of six people. Among them, a 75-year-old woman, in a state of absolute emergency, was placed on respiratory assistance and transferred to the University Hospital. The other victims, two adults and three children, were treated in relative emergency.
Significant material damage
On the material side, five apartments suffered damage caused by flames and smoke. A scooter parked in front of the building was also destroyed. However, some homes were deemed habitable, and several residents were able to return to their homes during the day.
“Some residents will be able to return home,” confirmed Commissioner Alice David. “The apartments spared by the fire are completely reintegratable from now on. »
An investigation into arson
The criminal origin of the fire seems privileged. “We also noticed that two trash cans on the same street had caught fire at the same time,” said Alice David. “These elements suggest a voluntary act. » An investigation was opened in conjunction with the Poitiers public prosecutor's office to shed light on these damages of criminal origin.
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