Tragedy struck as a fire tore through a holiday home for disabled individuals in eastern France, leaving eleven people missing. Local authorities confirmed that seventeen others were successfully evacuated, with one person being transported to the hospital. The incident took place in the town of Wintzenheim, located in north-eastern France, where the blaze erupted around 06:30.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed his concern about possible casualties resulting from the fire that engulfed the cottage. The facility was accommodating a group from Nancy, and the situation has prompted authorities to mobilise emergency services for both rescue and firefighting efforts.

In response to the incident, 76 firefighters, four fire engines, and four ambulances were dispatched to the scene by the local authorities of Haut-Rhin Préfecture. Despite the ferocity of the flames, which engulfed 300 square meters of the 500-square-meter building, the fire was brought under control relatively swiftly.

The damage inflicted by the fire has been extensive, with Mr. Darmanin noting that the majority of the building was ravaged by the blaze. As the search for the missing individuals continues, rescue operations remain ongoing.