Suspect in custody after deadly fire

A 21-year-old man was placed in custody on Friday morning as part of the investigation into a fire that killed four people in Clermont-Ferrand.

Fire in narrow alley complicates rescue

The fire broke out around 3 a.m. on Friday in a five-story residential building in a narrow alley, making the location difficult for rescue vehicles to access. Two floors collapsed, and the building's staircase also collapsed.

Fire spread to roof and caused collapse

According to the city hall, two apartments were on fire when firefighters arrived, and the fire then reached the roof, causing the collapse of the 4th and 5th floors. Four bodies had been found among the rubble.

Prosecution suggests criminal origin

The prosecution stated on Friday that initial findings suggest a possible criminal origin of the fire. A second man, aged 20, who was present during the ignition, turned himself in at the Clermont-Ferrand police station on Saturday and was placed under formal investigation and detained for "willful failure to prevent a crime or offense," according to deputy prosecutor Laure Moisset.

Second man charged with arson

The man was charged with starting a fire that caused the death of four people and placed under formal investigation and detained. The fire occurred during the night of Thursday to Friday.