Firefighters respond to house fire in Carpentras

Firefighters from Vaucluse were called on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:30 AM to the commune of Carpentras for a house fire. On site, medical care was being provided to a 10-year-old girl. The intervention of the firefighters allowed the extraction from the house of a 5-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman. The latter and the two children were immediately transported to the hospitals in the area with a critical prognosis. The husband and father of the children, aged 35, was found outside the house, slightly intoxicated by the smoke.

Two fatalities confirmed following the fire

The death of the girl was confirmed on Thursday, October 15, 2026, linked to an intoxication caused by the smoke. The mother of the family was also declared dead on the same day. Although the condition of the young boy was still considered concerning, his vital prognosis was no longer critical.

Legal investigation launched into the incident

According to the Avignon prosecutor's office, an investigation has been opened for "attempted murder of minors aged 15 years," "murder by spouse," and "willful destruction by fire." Based on the initial elements of the investigation, which point towards a possible responsibility of the father of the family, the prosecutor's office of Avignon ordered the opening of a judicial investigation on the charges of murder and attempted murder of minors under 15 years old, murder by spouse, as well as deliberate arson. Following his custody, the accused - who denies the facts - was presented to an investigating judge who decided to place him under formal investigation. The results of the technical and scientific police analysis will be decisive for the continuation of the procedure and the investigation now continues under the direction of the instructing magistrate.

Suspect denied involvement in the fire

This 35-year-old man, who denies the facts, was found "outside the residence, slightly intoxicated by the fumes" on Tuesday morning, stated a statement from the Avignon prosecutor's office. A family man is suspected of causing a fire at his family home, in which his wife and daughter died on Tuesday. He was placed under formal investigation on Thursday, October 15, announced the prosecutor's office in Avignon.