Victims, research and investigation … The point on fire in a cottage in Charente

During the night from Sunday to Monday. Furthermore, a cottage welcoming adults with disabilities was devastated by the flames in Charente. However, A disaster with still mysterious causes that awakens the memory of the tragedy of Wintzenheim (Haut-Rhin) in 2023. Therefore, where 11 people had lost their lives. Meanwhile, 20 Minutes takes stock of the situation.

What exactly happened? – Victims, research investigation … point

The alert was given shortly before 4:30 am on the night of Sunday to Monday. However, The fire took in an old isolated farmhouse, transformed into a cottage, located south of Angoulême. Therefore, The firefighters arrived on site in less than 20 minutes. but the fire, particularly violent, was completely extinguished until the end of the morning after the mobilization of 24 vehicles and 85 fire soldiers.

According to the Minister for Handicap Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq. the disaster left “another building which is really victims, research investigation … point contiguous”, a premises which had been declared for this stay but “had not been visited in 2023”. The smoke detectors. Additionally, the security equipment were in place, assured the secretary general of the prefecture, Jean-Charles Jobart, while specifying that “everything was up to standards” during a check carried out two years earlier.

What is the results of the victims? – Victims, research investigation … point

The drama cost the lives of four people. A fifth is still missing and the authorities fear that it is “under the rubble”. Among the victims is the owner of the premises. who voluntarily committed to the help of people “trapped by flames, as well as three holidaymakers with disabilities, including a 60 -year -old woman.

Four other people were injured. one of which is first in victims, research investigation … point absolute emergency, now out of danger. The cottage welcomed 14 adults aged 20 to 75: eight people with mental disabilities. four supervisors who came for a week -long stay and the couple of owners.

What are the reactions?

Coming on the spot. Minister Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq praised “the heroic gesture” of the owner and announced her desire to “reclaim the rules for buildings welcoming the disabled public” as well as to strengthen the training of supervisors “to first aid gestures”.

The UFCV (French Union of Holiday Centers). which organized this suitable stay, said it was “in shock” in a press release relayed by Southwest. The association ensures “collaborating with the authorities to shed light on the circumstances”. has set up a psychological cell to support families, vacationers and stakeholders.

What is the continuation with the investigation?

The Angoulême prosecutor’s office has opened a flagration investigation for homicide and involuntary injuries against X. The victims, research investigation … point National Gendarmerie Criminal Research Institute (IRCGN) must conduct investigations on the scene. both to determine the origin of the fire and to examine the rubble. “There will be autopsies to confirm the causes of death,” said vice-prosecutor Mathieu Auriol.

All the news in Charente

This drama. which occurs less than two years after the murderous fire of Wintzenheim, again raises the question of the safety of adapted stays and fire prevention in the structures welcoming vulnerable people.