An overnight fire in Reims has killed at least four people – three adults and one child – with another child reported missing, according to the Marne prefecture.
The blaze erupted at around 12.30am Friday on the fourth floor of an 11-story residential tower, rapidly climbing the building’s façade after a resident reported smoke.
Emergency crews transported two critically injured adults to hospital, while twelve others – including children – sustained lighter injuries.
Firefighters contained the flames by 7am after deploying 15 engines and 62 personnel, supported by 40 police officers and nine medics. Survivors received treatment at a nearby sports hall staffed by Red Cross volunteers.
Authorities have searched all but one severely damaged flat, delaying final casualty assessments. Reims prosecutor François Schneider confirmed an open investigation but noted no immediate leads on the fire’s origin. The affected tower contains four units per floor, housing dozens of residents.
