An apartment building blaze early Thursday killed seven people in the southern French city of Nice and police were investigating the fire as a possible arson, authorities said.

An apartment building blaze early Thursday killed seven people in the southern French city of Nice and police were investigating the fire as a possible arson, authorities said. The dead include three children -- 5, 7 and 10 years old -- and a 17-year-old who tried to escape by jumping from a window, they added. The apartment was occupied by a family believed to have Comoran origins, the regional prefect Hugues Moutouh said, referring to the southern African island nation. Ten people were inside when the fire broke out. Rescuers were alerted at around 2:30 am (0030 GMT) about the blaze on the seventh floor of the building in the low-income neighbourhood of Les Moulins, known for being a drug-dealing hub, in the west of the city. In spite of the substantial resources deployed, "unfortunately seven people died during this fire", firefighters said. Neighbours hurriedly dragged mattresses in front of the building to break the fall of those jumping out of windows. Four police were in psychological care after witnessing the scene. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on social media that the quick arrival of firefighters "probably prevented more deaths". Darmanin and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal were expected at the scene later Thursday. VIDEO | Fire breaks out at Noida apartment after AC blasts amid intense heat 'Serious, barbaric' Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli said investigators were looking into a "criminal" cause for the fire. "In light of the initial evidence, I have opened an investigation into acts of arson leading to death," he told reporters at the scene. He gave no details, but Nice Deputy Mayor Anthony Borre said that surveillance footage showed three men wearing balaclavas in the vicinity. "These actions are serious, they are barbaric," he said, adding that he expected "a strong response" by the authorities once the investigation was over. President Emmanuel Macron said he shared Nice's "emotion" following the fire, posting on social media that his thoughts were "with the loved ones of those who died". The blaze probably started on the building's second floor and spread through the staircase to higher floors, authorities said. Rescuers said that three people were taken to hospital, one of them with life-threatening injuries after jumping from a window. They said firefighters were confronted by a "raging apartment fire" on the seventh floor of the building. They carried out three aerial ladder rescues and evacuated dozens. "There were flames in the staircase and smoke was entering under the door," said Soibrata, a resident on the building's fifth floor. "I woke the children up, and called the firefighters who told us to put wet towels under the doors and go on the balcony" where they were rescued, she said. Soibrata, who did not give her last name, and others in the building told AFP that the wait for firefighters had been much longer than the "10 minutes" Martinelli said it took for them to arrive. Neighbours sprayed water on parasols and furniture on adjacent balconies to prevent falling burning debris from setting the rest of the building on fire, they said. Twenty people were evacuated to a temporary shelter, with Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi saying a crisis unit would be set up to help anyone affected by the fire. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

France: 7 killed in suspected arson at crowded apartment in Nice

In a devastating incident that occurred early Sunday (August 13), a fire engulfed a residential building located in the central district of Grasse, a renowned city in the French Riviera.

The blaze killed three people, while leaving three others in critical condition and four with minor injuries.

The fire, now extinguished, inflicted significant damage on the upper floors of the five-story building, casting a shadow over the picturesque town known for its fragrance heritage, reported AFP.&nbsp;

The origin of the fire, which tore through the historical heart of Grasse, remains shrouded in uncertainty.

The edifice's top three levels bore the brunt of the flames, with the exterior partially charred. The stairwell suffered the most substantial impact, while the individual units endured smoke-related harm, according to Jean-Christophe Demarte, leading the rescue operation, who spoke to AFP.&nbsp;

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<h2>Emergency response </h2>

Local residents sounded the alarm, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene at approximately 3:00 am (0100 GMT).

Tragically, one life was lost as a person leapt from the building, while two more bodies were discovered within its confines.

Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, including a woman's urgent cries for assistance and a man's desperate fall while attempting to escape the inferno.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK: Six dead after migrant boat capsizes crossing from France to UK

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<h2>Heart of the old town</h2>

Situated in a vibrant square within Grasse's old town, the ill-fated building was a hub of activity during the summer months, attracting both tourists and locals.

The charming locale, adorned with eateries, a fountain, and charming pedestrian pathways, now bears the scars of the calamity that unfolded.

Jerome Viaud, the city's mayor, clarified that while the building did not exhibit structural deficiencies, plans for renovations were slated for October, focusing on communal spaces and the facade.

Although speculation about the fire's cause abounds, Viaud emphasised the need for patience as investigators seek to determine whether the incident was accidental or malicious in nature.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the root cause of the tragic fire. The city's prosecutor confirmed that a probe is currently underway to shed light on the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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In a devastating incident that occurred early Sunday (August 13), a fire engulfed a residential building located in the central district of Grasse, a renowned city in the French Riviera.

In a devastating incident that occurred early Sunday (August 13), a fire engulfed a residential building located in the central district of Grasse, a renowned city in the French Riviera. The blaze killed three people, while leaving three others in critical condition and four with minor injuries. The fire, now extinguished, inflicted significant damage on the upper floors of the five-story building, casting a shadow over the picturesque town known for its fragrance heritage, reported AFP. The origin of the fire, which tore through the historical heart of Grasse, remains shrouded in uncertainty. The edifice's top three levels bore the brunt of the flames, with the exterior partially charred. The stairwell suffered the most substantial impact, while the individual units endured smoke-related harm, according to Jean-Christophe Demarte, leading the rescue operation, who spoke to AFP. Also read | Eiffel Tower in Paris briefly evacuated after bomb threat: Reports Emergency response Local residents sounded the alarm, prompting firefighters to rush to the scene at approximately 3:00 am (0100 GMT). Tragically, one life was lost as a person leapt from the building, while two more bodies were discovered within its confines. Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes, including a woman's urgent cries for assistance and a man's desperate fall while attempting to escape the inferno. Also watch | UK: Six dead after migrant boat capsizes crossing from France to UK Heart of the old town Situated in a vibrant square within Grasse's old town, the ill-fated building was a hub of activity during the summer months, attracting both tourists and locals. The charming locale, adorned with eateries, a fountain, and charming pedestrian pathways, now bears the scars of the calamity that unfolded. Jerome Viaud, the city's mayor, clarified that while the building did not exhibit structural deficiencies, plans for renovations were slated for October, focusing on communal spaces and the facade. Although speculation about the fire's cause abounds, Viaud emphasised the need for patience as investigators seek to determine whether the incident was accidental or malicious in nature. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the root cause of the tragic fire. The city's prosecutor confirmed that a probe is currently underway to shed light on the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fatal building fire kills three in French Riviera city of Grasse

In Pics | Colourful, vibrant and picturesque: Nice carnival marks 150 years, with a wink to Rio

The United Nation's cultural organisation said on Tuesday that it had added the French Mediterranean city of Nice to its world heritage list.

UNESCO made the announcement in a tweet calling Nice, famous for its mild climate, the "Winter resort town of the Riviera".

Nice joins France's more than 40 world heritage sites which include the banks of the river Seine in Paris, the Amiens cathedral, the Mont Saint Michel and stretches of the Loire valley.

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"The history of Nice, which is at the same time deeply rooted and open, Mediterranean and Alpine, European and cosmopolitan, has produced an architecture and a landscape that are unique, a model for many other cities in the world," Nice's mayor Christian Estrosi said in reaction to the announcement.

With close to one million inhabitants, greater Nice is the second-biggest city on the French Mediterranean coast after Marseille, and the fifth-biggest in France.

It is a tourist hotspot with several million visitors per year, and its airport is one of the country's busiest.

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Nicknamed "Nice the Beautiful", the city attracted European aristocracy from the 18th century, starting with British royalty who had the seafront "Promenade des Anglais" ("Promenade of the English") named after them.

Painters including Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse also stayed there, as did writers Anton Chekhov and Friedrich Nietzsche.

The seafront walk became the scene of a murderous attack on July 14, 2016, when a 31-year-old Tunisian drove a truck into crowds gathered for fireworks to celebrate France's national holiday.

Eighty-six people, including 15 children, were killed in the attack for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The UN cultural body awards world heritage status to sites judged to be of special universal value to humanity.

Top heritage sites include the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Acropolis in Greece.

The sought-after distinction brings intangible benefits, but also often boosts tourism, and can help secure funding for the preservation of sites.

The United Nation's cultural organisation said on Tuesday that it had added the French Mediterranean city of Nice to its world heritage list. UNESCO made the announcement in a tweet calling Nice, famous for its mild climate, the "Winter resort town of the Riviera".

The United Nation's cultural organisation said on Tuesday that it had added the French Mediterranean city of Nice to its world heritage list. UNESCO made the announcement in a tweet calling Nice, famous for its mild climate, the "Winter resort town of the Riviera". Nice joins France's more than 40 world heritage sites which include the banks of the river Seine in Paris, the Amiens cathedral, the Mont Saint Michel and stretches of the Loire valley. Also read | India: Rudreswara Temple added to 'world heritage list' by UNESCO "The history of Nice, which is at the same time deeply rooted and open, Mediterranean and Alpine, European and cosmopolitan, has produced an architecture and a landscape that are unique, a model for many other cities in the world," Nice's mayor Christian Estrosi said in reaction to the announcement. With close to one million inhabitants, greater Nice is the second-biggest city on the French Mediterranean coast after Marseille, and the fifth-biggest in France. It is a tourist hotspot with several million visitors per year, and its airport is one of the country's busiest. Also read | Liverpool removed from UNESCO's heritage list due to 'overdevelopment' Nicknamed "Nice the Beautiful", the city attracted European aristocracy from the 18th century, starting with British royalty who had the seafront "Promenade des Anglais" ("Promenade of the English") named after them. Painters including Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse also stayed there, as did writers Anton Chekhov and Friedrich Nietzsche. The seafront walk became the scene of a murderous attack on July 14, 2016, when a 31-year-old Tunisian drove a truck into crowds gathered for fireworks to celebrate France's national holiday. Eighty-six people, including 15 children, were killed in the attack for which the Islamic State claimed responsibility. The UN cultural body awards world heritage status to sites judged to be of special universal value to humanity. Top heritage sites include the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Acropolis in Greece. The sought-after distinction brings intangible benefits, but also often boosts tourism, and can help secure funding for the preservation of sites.

French city of Nice wins UNESCO world heritage status

President Macron speaking to a television channel said although he understands people could be shocked by the caricatures, but added that he will "never accept that violence can be justified."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nice-terror-suspect-gave-no-indication-he-was-contemplating-violence-339191">Also Read:&nbsp;Nice terror suspect gave no indication he was contemplating violence</a>

"I consider it our duty to protect our freedoms and our rights," the French president told a Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television channel. The French president has repeatedly insisted that he will not compromise on its basic freedoms of belief and expression.

Watch:

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"I can understand that people could be shocked by the caricatures, but I will never accept that violence can be justified," the French president told the television channel.

France has stepped up security after the Nice attack in which three persons were killed and a woman was beheaded. The assailant was shot by police and is in hospital. President Macron has deployed thousands of soldiers to protect churches and schools in the aftermath of the attack.

Amid the terror attack in Nice, there have been anti-Macron protests in several parts of the world including Bangladesh, Lebanon, Somalia and Gaza Strip.

French interior minister Gerald Damarnin had said on Friday that France was engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology" and more attacks were likely in the country even as residents mourned the victims of the attack in the Mediterranean city.

Brazil's foreign ministry had said on Friday that one of the victim's Simone Barreto Silva had moved to France as a teenager and was a mother of three.

President Macron speaking to a television channel said although he understands people could be shocked by the caricatures, but added that he will "never accept that violence can be justified.

President Macron speaking to a television channel said although he understands people could be shocked by the caricatures, but added that he will "never accept that violence can be justified." Also Read: Nice terror suspect gave no indication he was contemplating violence "I consider it our duty to protect our freedoms and our rights," the French president told a Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television channel. The French president has repeatedly insisted that he will not compromise on its basic freedoms of belief and expression. Watch: "I can understand that people could be shocked by the caricatures, but I will never accept that violence can be justified," the French president told the television channel. France has stepped up security after the Nice attack in which three persons were killed and a woman was beheaded. The assailant was shot by police and is in hospital. President Macron has deployed thousands of soldiers to protect churches and schools in the aftermath of the attack. Amid the terror attack in Nice, there have been anti-Macron protests in several parts of the world including Bangladesh, Lebanon, Somalia and Gaza Strip. French interior minister Gerald Damarnin had said on Friday that France was engaged in a "war against Islamist ideology" and more attacks were likely in the country even as residents mourned the victims of the attack in the Mediterranean city. Brazil's foreign ministry had said on Friday that one of the victim's Simone Barreto Silva had moved to France as a teenager and was a mother of three.

Understand people could be shocked by caricatures, but I will never accept violence: Macron

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s international career with a defeat. 
 
The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. 
 
After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. 
 
&quot;We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row,&quot; said Marc Wilmots, Belgium&#39;s coach. 
 
&quot;It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field,&quot; said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. 
 
There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. 
 
He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting &quot;Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s heavy, it&#39;s disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at &nbsp;the Euros, and represent Sweden,&quot; said Ibrahimovic. 
 
&quot;At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories.&quot; 
 
Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a &quot;unique&quot; talent that cannot be replaced. 
 
&quot;I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don&#39;t think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he&#39;s really unique,&quot; said Hamren. 
 
Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. 
 
&quot;Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn&#39;t finish our chances in either,&quot; added Hamren. &quot;Against Ireland we weren&#39;t very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can&#39;t ask more from my players, I&#39;m proud of them, even though we lost the game,&quot; he said. 
 
Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. 
 
Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. 
 
Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. 
 
Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. 
 
At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. 
 
But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. 
 
It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson&#39;s post. 
 
As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. 
 
Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. 
 
A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. 
 
Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. 
 
But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side&#39;s place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. 
 
(AFP)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored 62 goals in 116 international matches, ends his international career in defeat as Sweden fails to qualify

A late goal by Premier League target Radja Nainggolan earned Belgium a last-16 berth with a 1-0 win over Sweden ending superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career with a defeat. The Roma midfielder, reportedly wanted by Chelsea, controlled a cross from Eden Hazard outside the area and powered it into the net in the 82nd minute. After a poor display against Italy in their group opener, Belgium now take on Hungary in Toulouse on June 26 with the momentum of two wins behind them. "We have got better since the Italy game, kept two clean sheets in a row," said Marc Wilmots, Belgium's coach. "It will be a complicated game, we watched the last minutes of their game against Portugal, Hungary leave 200 per cent on the field," said Belgium skipper Eden Hazard who was awarded man-of-the-match. There was to be no salvation for Sweden, nor one more game for Ibrahimovic. He battled to the end, almost snatching a late equaliser with a half volley on the turn, but the dying minutes were instead marked by the Belgian fans raucously chanting "Bye Bye Ibrahimovic!" "It's heavy, it's disappointing, but at the same time I enjoyed it, we got the possibility to play at the Euros, and represent Sweden," said Ibrahimovic. "At the same time I am proud, this was my last game in the national team, I have many fantastic memories." Sweden coach Erik Hamren said Ibrahimovic was a "unique" talent that cannot be replaced. "I hope we can find another player, not a Zlatan as I don't think in a small country like Sweden you can find someone like that, he's really unique," said Hamren. Sweden finished bottom of the group and will look back with regret on a flat performance in their opener against Ireland. "Our two last games were not bad, but we couldn't finish our chances in either," added Hamren. "Against Ireland we weren't very good, maybe in attack we could have been better against Italy. But I can't ask more from my players, I'm proud of them, even though we lost the game," he said. Facing elimination if defeated, both teams pushed forward to attack which produced a pulsating first half hour in balmy Nice. Chances came thick and fast, Sweden almost grabbing a dream start three minutes in when a goalmouth half-volley by Marcus Berg, in for John Giudetti as strike partner to Ibrahimovic, was batted out by Thibaut Courtois. Belgium launched regular raids with Kevin De Bruyne through the middle and Hazard, roving from wing to wing, at the heart of the danger. Midway through the half, a backheel from Hazard let the Man City star fire a shot straight at the Isaksson. At the other end, Ibrahimovic had little joy, bar the occasional half-chance snapshot or attempt at a spectacular volley. But none came to anything on an ultimately frustrating night for the Swedish legend who announced his international retirement after Euro 2016 on Tuesday. It was Belgium who nearly entered the break in front, when Meurier headed an inch-perfect De Bruyne cross just wide of Andreas Isaksson's post. As the clock ran down in the second half the temperature began rising again as Belgium wasted a host of chances to kill of Swedish hopes. Isaksson dived at full length to keep out a De Bruyne drive before a powerful Romelu Lukaku break was foiled by Isakksson who spread his body well to block the shot. A minute later, an identical run by the Everton striker, this time with a neat finish, was ruled offside. Time was running out on Ibrahimovic when he went close with a free-kick turned away by Courtois with a quarter hour to go before De Bruyne cleared off the line. But Nainggolan secured a richly-talented Belgian side's place on the favourable half of the draw with a rasping drive into the far corner. (AFP)

Belgium seal last-16 berth with 1-0 win over Sweden,  Ibrahimovic bows out

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France: 7 killed in suspected arson at crowded apartment in Nice

Fatal building fire kills three in French Riviera city of Grasse

In Pics | Colourful, vibrant and picturesque: Nice carnival marks 150 years, with a wink to Rio

French city of Nice wins UNESCO world heritage status

Understand people could be shocked by caricatures, but I will never accept violence: Macron

Belgium seal last-16 berth with 1-0 win over Sweden, Ibrahimovic bows out