Seven people, including three children and a teenager, tragically lost their lives in a fire that engulfed a flat in the southern French city of Nice. Authorities are actively searching for three individuals believed to be connected to this devastating incident.

A suspected arson attack in the southeastern French city of Nice has resulted in the tragic deaths of seven people, including three children and a teenager. The fire, believed to be intentionally set, engulfed an apartment on the top floor of a residential building in the Moulins area around 3 a.m. local time on Thursday.

Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli indicated that investigators are treating the incident as a criminal act. "Based on initial evidence, I have launched an investigation into arson resulting in fatalities," he told reporters at the scene.

First Deputy Mayor of Nice, Anthony Borre, described the situation as "serious" and "barbaric," urging a robust response from authorities once the investigation concludes.

Mayor Christian Estrosi stated that footage shows individuals wearing hoods spreading gasoline in the building's stairwell. He extended condolences to the victims, describing them as innocent casualties in a local conflict between drug gangs.

President Emmanuel Macron, attending a summit in the UK, expressed shock over the tragedy, calling it "absolutely terrible, horrific."

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, accompanied by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, visited the scene and confirmed they are seeking three individuals in connection with the deadly fire.

The victims include three children aged 5, 7, and 10, and three adults from the same Comorian-origin family, according to Hugues Moutouh, the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes region. A 17-year-old male also perished while attempting to escape the flames by jumping from a window.

One of the survivors, a 47-year-old man, suffered serious injuries after also jumping from the apartment. Neighbors attempted to cushion his fall with mattresses.

Nadjin Maecha, president of the local Comorian association, stated that two family members survived but are deeply distressed.

Local prosecutor Damien Martinelli noted that firefighters arrived ten minutes after the initial emergency call at 2:28 a.m. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin praised their swift response, suggesting it likely prevented additional fatalities.

A resident who evacuated with her four daughters recounted hearing noises and seeing people fleeing as flames and smoke filled the stairwell. She credited firefighters for guiding their escape using a ladder, ensuring the safety of her children first.