Tragedy in Nice: 3-Year-Old Girl Dies in Apartment Fire

A fire broke out on the night of Saturday 8 to Sunday 9 February, at around 1am, in an eight-storey building on boulevard Henri-Sappia in Nice. The fire, which broke out on the sixth floor, claimed the life of a 3-year-old girl and left five people slightly injured, according to information from Nice Matin, confirmed by H24 MEIDA.

Emergency Response and Casualties

Alerted shortly after 1 a.m., 41 firefighters, supported by 15 fire engines, were mobilized to control the flames. Two fire hoses were deployed, allowing the fire to be quickly contained. Although only one apartment was affected, it suffered extensive damage and is now completely uninhabitable.

The 3-year-old girl, found severely injured, did not survive despite the emergency response. Five other people sustained minor injuries and received medical attention, while four other residents escaped unharmed. In total, 15 people living in eight apartments will need to be rehoused, either in hotels or with family members.

Investigation Launched and Official Reactions

Both national and municipal police, along with the Public Prosecutor of Nice, were present at the scene. An investigation has been opened, entrusted to the Local Judicial Police Service (SLPJ), to determine the cause of the fire. The origin of the blaze remains undetermined for now, although a fire expert is expected to visit the site to conduct further investigations.

According to a police source, the child was alone in the apartment at the time of the tragedy. Her mother was with a neighbor, and her father was outside the building. The parents, in shock, were hospitalized and are scheduled to be interviewed by investigators.

Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, expressed his deep sorrow on the social network X: “My thoughts are with the family of the little girl who tragically passed away last night.” His first deputy, Anthony Borré, also visited the scene, assuring the victims of the municipality’s support and that of Côte d’Azur Habitat to assist and secure their homes. Éric Ciotti, Member of Parliament for Alpes-Maritimes, shared his “immense sadness” and offered his condolences to the family, praising the courage of the firefighters involved.