Several Luxembourg nationals were among 484 guests evacuated when a ferocious overnight fire gutted a four-star hotel in France's La Plagne ski resort, with four people sustaining minor injuries in the dramatic escape.
A major fire broke out at a hotel in the French ski resort of La Plagne (Savoie) overnight, forcing the evacuation of nearly 500 guests and staff. Four individuals sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to local authorities.
The alarm sounded at 2.45am on Wednesday when flames erupted on the building's façade before spreading to the roof. Over 100 firefighters responded to contain the blaze and ensure all occupants were safely evacuated. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
Among those evacuated were several Luxembourg nationals. Capucine Courau, 45, recounted her husband hearing "a kind of explosion or at least a big thud" at around 2.30am. Other guests, like Sophie Cavallier from Nice, described the community's swift response: "Residents immediately brought us clothes, scarves, and blankets since we were all in pyjamas and barefoot."
The municipality has temporarily relocated displaced guests and staff to a nearby sports hall.
Almost 500 people evacuated in 15 minutes
Authorities confirmed 484 people were evacuated within 15 minutes. "Four individuals sustained minor injuries, primarily from mild smoke inhalation, with three already discharged after medical checks", reported Bruno Charlot, sub-prefect of Albertville, to AFPTV.
The damaged hotel is one of the buildings of the four-star MMV Village Club at La Plagne's 2,000m altitude ski area.
The municipal rescue plan activated immediately as thick smoke filled the building. "People were hurrying, but they weren't panicking, and we were out of the hotel in five minutes", recounted Paul Tucker, a 76-year-old British evacuee.
Mayor Jean-Luc Boch confirmed alternate housing had been secured across La Plagne's resorts, with all displaced persons to be rehoused.
By mid-morning, firefighters had contained – but not fully extinguished – the blaze that consumed 75% of the structure. Smoke remained visible into the afternoon as crews continued operations.
The response involved 100 firefighters, 40 emergency vehicles, and three aerial platforms to prevent spread to adjacent buildings.
Captain Bertrand Cosnay of Albertville's gendarmerie stated the fire's origin remains undetermined, with an investigation underway.
