Paris FIRE: Seven killed and dozens injured in BLAZE that engulfed eight-story building

Around 200 firefighters tackled the fire, which is believed to have started at about 1am. Some scrambled onto nearby roofs to escape the smoke and flames and were rescued by firefighters. It is believed one person has been seriously injured, whilst 27 others have suffered minor injuries, including three firefighters.

A fire service spokesman told the AFP news agency: “The toll could still increase because the fire is still in progress on the 7th and 8th floors.”

It is not clear what caused the fire.

The wealthy area in southwestern Paris is popular with tourists and is home to a number of upmarket shop and restaurants.

By about 3:30am, fire crews had finished evacuating the block on Rue Erlanger.

Surrounding buildings have been evacuated as a precaution.

Clement Cognon, an official at the scene, said: “We had to carry out many rescues, including some people who had taken refuge on the roofs.”

He added that others had climbed out of windows to escape the flames.

The residential building is less than a mile from the Roland Garros stadium that host the French Open tennis tournament and is close to the popular Bois de Bologne park.

The fire comes a month after another deadly blaze in the French capital, which was believed to be caused by a gas leak in a bakery.

More to follow…

source: express.co.uk