A devastating fire broke out at a nursing home in the Val-de-Vesle region of France, resulting in the loss of three elderly women’s lives, aged 68, 85, and 96, while nine others sustained injuries. The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. earlier this week, prompting the nursing home staff to alert the fire brigade. According to Val-de-Vesle firefighters, the fire originated in the laundry room of the nursing home. At the time of the fire, there were 77 elderly residents present in the nursing home, which has a total capacity of 80 individuals. The smoke from the fire claimed the lives of three women, while the others suffered minor injuries. Among the injured are seven residents and two staff members, who were promptly transported to the hospital.
Mayor Michèle Lacocque of Bouvemont stated that the nursing home adhered to all safety standards and had recently renewed its safety agreement in 2023. She described the fire incident as accidental and emphasized the positive relationship the city has with the facility. Lacocque mentioned that the fire occurred on the third floor, with the first and second floors remaining unaffected. Over a hundred firefighters are currently engaged in extinguishing the fire, with the Montmirail Gendermerie Brigade tasked with investigating the incident. The cause of the fire remains unclear at this time, but initial reports suggest it was of an accidental nature.
Mayor Lacocque reassured that the situation is under control post-incident, with most of the nursing home remaining operational. However, some residents have been relocated to nearby nursing homes. She expressed gratitude for the solidarity and cooperation shown by neighboring institutions during this challenging time. Prefect Pierre Cot confirmed that efforts are underway to determine which residents can stay at the nursing home and who needs to be transferred to other facilities. An emergency plan (NOVI project) has been activated to assist the large number of affected individuals. The investigation into the incident is ongoing through the Montmirail Police Station.
Mayor Lacocque declared the incident a tragedy for the city of Bouvemont, which has experienced several recent incidents that have deeply impacted the community in Val-de-Vesle.
