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One Dead, 80 Evacuated After Fire at Montpellier Homeless Shelter

Authorities have opened an investigation into the blaze, with officials arranging temporary shelter for displaced residents.

Overview

  • Fire erupted around 8 a.m. Sunday at a shelter for unhoused people at 651 avenue du Docteur Jacques Fourcade in Montpellier.
  • About 50 firefighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze, which was extinguished by midday.
  • Roughly 80 occupants were moved to a nearby building and are awaiting rehousing under review by the Hérault prefecture and the City of Montpellier.
  • The victim, a male resident born in December 1943, died at the scene.
  • Firefighters report the blaze started in the deceased man's room, though the exact origin remains unknown, and the Montpellier prosecutor has opened an inquiry.