In a devastating incident on Tuesday evening, a house fire in Feyzin, a suburb of Lyon, resulted in the deaths of three women in their sixties. The fire broke out around 7:30 p.m., prompting the swift deployment of approximately 50 firefighters to the scene in an attempt to control the blaze that reportedly originated on the ground floor of the residence.
The tragic event unfolded in a residential area where five individuals resided within the affected home. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the bodies of the three women were discovered as the firefighting operation progressed. Two other occupants—a 65-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman—escaped unharmed but were taken to a hospital for precautionary health checks.
The operation faced significant challenges due to the severity of the fire and the cluttered conditions inside the house. According to local reports, the interior was heavily cluttered, with items stacked up to 1.5 meters high in some areas, suggesting at least one resident may have been suffering from Diogenes syndrome. This accumulation of possessions severely hindered the emergency services’ access to the building.
During the operation, one firefighter sustained a minor neck injury but did not require hospitalization. Given the challenging nature of the incident, psychological support has been offered to the firefighters involved in the response.
The Mayor of Feyzin, Marc Mamet, indicated that the fire likely began at the circuit breaker. He assured the public that the two surviving residents, a brother and sister, are in stable condition. Efforts are underway to find them new accommodation following the tragedy.
This incident highlights the critical importance of safety and preparedness in residential areas, as authorities continue to investigate the precise causes and circumstances surrounding the fire.
