A fire erupted early Thursday morning in the southern French city of Nice, claiming the lives of seven people, including three young children and a teenager.

Officials are investigating the blaze as a potential arson attack, according to the local prosecutor.

Mayor Christian Estrosi stated that surveillance images clearly show the fire was ignited by individuals pouring petrol into a stairwell during the night. The flames engulfed the upper floors of an apartment block in the Moulins area, near Nice's airport.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that among the victims were three young children. He pledged that police would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The fire originated on the seventh floor, and Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli indicated that an inquiry into arson has been opened based on initial findings.

Local reports reveal that the deceased victims, all from the same family, include children aged five, seven, and ten, along with a teenager, two women, and a man. Two family members attempted to escape through a window; one passed away, and the other remains critically injured.

Eyewitness Iftahou, who arrived at the scene during the blaze, expressed the hopelessness of the situation, acknowledging the tragic loss of life inside.

Najim Maecha, head of the Comorian community in southern France, knew the family and noted they had been residing in Nice since approximately 2013.

Mayor Estrosi emphasized the profound impact of the disaster, with seven fatalities and 30 others suffering from smoke inhalation. He called for increased security measures to ensure resident safety and prevent further incidents following this devastating event being investigated for possible arson. (ILKHA)