Thirteen dead after candles on cake start birthday party blaze in Northern France
Cops say deadly fire broke out in city bar
AT LEAST 13 people have died at a birthday party in France after candles on a birthday cake started an inferno.
Cops say the blaze broke out at Cuba Libre bar in Rouen, Normandy at about just before 1am today (Saturday).
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has confirmed that 13 people are dead and six injured. The victims are believed to be aged between 18 and 25.
Mourners have been laying flowers at the scene this morning.
French media are reporting that a woman stumbled on stairs while carrying the cake, triggering the blaze.
A source close to the investigation said it is believed the victims may have succumbed to toxic fumes after the walls and ceiling caught fire.
Eye witness Valerie Fouquet, who was sitting on a chair outside, said: "All of a sudden, everything blew.
"We saw the smoke and we saw the flames. There were cries for help from inside. There were two mothers with three children in there. I feel bad – it could have been any of us who died"
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More than 50 firefighters tackled the inferno, described by Yvon Robert, the mayor of Rouen, as "the worst catastrophe to hit the city".
Prime minister Manuel Valls tweeted "Deep sadness with regard to the tragedy which mowed down 13 young lives. Compassion and support for the afflicted families."
