Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque explosion

On 14 February 2022, an explosion caused a fire in Rue Arago in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France, killing eight people[1] and injuring thirty others.[2][3]

Rue Arago, where the explosion happened.

Explosion

At around 1:30 A.M., on 14 February 2022, an explosion happened on the ground floor of a building in Rue Arago, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque. It was followed by a major fire occurring either in the snack bar or at the grocery store.[4] At least 11 apartments were affected.[5] A witness said that they had first seen "a very loud explosion", followed by "huge flames."[6] Another neighbour described it as "a horror scene … it was extraordinarily violent."[7] The fire finally died down at noon after authorities had employed a team of 120 firefighters and some gendarmes.[8]

Fatalities

Eight people, including two children, were killed by the blast. Three people were severely injured after inhaling smoke from the fire, and another man who had jumped out the building's window suffered serious injuries.[9][6] Many survivors of the blast have suffered psychological damage.[10] Among the dead were a young couple and their two children; one was a 2-3-year-old boy and the other was a baby.[11]

While the initial estimated death toll was seven, it was raised to eight the next day. A 66-year-old woman is still missing but unlikely to be alive.[12]

Aftermath

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and are currently investigating if it could be a case of arson.[13] Two gas cylinders were found near the scene.[14][15]

In April three suspects were taken into custody. All three were of North African origin, including a Tunisian shopkeeper and two Algerians.[16][17]

Olivier Dussopt issued a statement of empathy for the victims; affirming that "Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones."[3] Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin tweeted that he was visiting the scene of the explosion.[12]

References
  1. "Explosion à Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : un 8e mort extrait des décombres de l'incendie par les secours". France 3 Occitanie (in French). Archived from the original on 2022-02-15. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
  2. "Explosion et incendies à Saint-Laurent-de-la Salanque : au moins sept morts, dont deux enfants". Ouest-France (in French). February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  3. Goodwin, Dalal Mawad, Anaelle Jonah, Joseph Ataman and Allegra (2022-02-14). "Two children among seven killed in French Pyrenees explosion". CTVNews. Archived from the original on 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-02-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. "Explosion à Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : ce que l'on sait du drame qui a fait au moins huit morts". Franceinfo (in French). 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
  5. "Explosion dans un immeuble à Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : au moins sept morts, dont deux enfants". Franceinfo (in French). February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  6. AFP (2022-02-14). "Seven killed by fire in southern France | New Straits Times". NST Online. Archived from the original on 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  7. "At least seven killed after explosion and fire in southern France". the Guardian. 2022-02-14. Archived from the original on 2022-02-17. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  8. "Explosion mortelle à Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : 7 morts dont 2 enfants retrouvés dans les décombres, une enquête ouverte pour incendie volontaire". L'indépendant (in French). February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  9. Simon Colboc; Suzanne Shojaei; Axelle Labbé; Claire Guedon (February 14, 2022). "Explosion de Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : plusieurs morts dans une très forte explosion". France Bleu Roussillon. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  10. Dalal Mawad, Anaelle Jonah, Joseph Ataman and Allegra Goodwin (14 February 2022). "Two children among seven killed in French Pyrenees explosion". CNN. Archived from the original on 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2022-02-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  11. François David (February 15, 2022). "Qui sont les huit victimes décédées dans le drame de Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque ?". France Bleu Roussillon (in French). Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  12. "Footage emerges of blaze that killed seven in south-west France". euronews. 2022-02-14. Archived from the original on 2022-02-15. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  13. Sophie Motte (February 14, 2022). "REPLAY. Explosion près de Perpignan : la fouille du second immeuble impossible, toujours une personne portée disparue". La Dépêche (in French). Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  14. "Sept morts dont deux enfants dans une très forte explosion à Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque". France Bleu (in French). February 14, 2022. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  15. "At least 7 killed in explosion and fire in southern France". thepeterboroughexaminer.com. 2022-02-14. Retrieved 2022-02-19.
  16. "Explosion mortelle de Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : trois personnes placées en garde à vue". ladepeche.fr (in French). Retrieved 2022-04-28.
  17. à 10h55, Par Ronan Folgoas et Vincent Gautronneau Le 7 avril 2022; À 19h27, Modifié Le 7 Avril 2022 (2022-04-07). "Catastrophe de Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque : l'un des gardés à vue est un survivant de l'incendie". leparisien.fr (in French). Retrieved 2022-04-28.

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