In France, a tragic fire in the southern city of Nice has claimed the lives of seven people, including three children.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed the casualties today, praising the swift response of the fire department which prevented further loss of life. He also mentioned that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The blaze erupted on the second floor of an apartment block in the Moulins area of Nice, near the city’s airport, and quickly spread to the upper floors.

During a visit to the site, caretaker Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said, the police are actively seeking three individuals in connection with the incident.

Later, Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli has disclosed that investigators are exploring the possibility of a criminal cause for the fire.