France: At least 13 killed as young people attend birthday party at bar destroyed by blaze

Six more were injured during the horrific incident after fire ravaged a bar in the capital of the French region of Normandy

At least 13 people have reportedly been killed at a birthday party for young people in France on Friday night.
Six more were said to be in a life-threatening condition after the horrific incident in Rouen, when a fire ravaged a bar in the capital of the French region of Normandy.

The victims were between 18 and 25-years-old according to Paris Normandie.
Firefighters were called out to the blaze at around 1am this morning, at the Cuba Libre bar in Seine Maritime.
French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve gave an initial count of 13 dead and six injured.

A fire at a Rouen bar leaves at least 13 dead (Photo: parisnormandie/facebook)

He said more than 50 firefighters are tackling the blaze in the centre of the city. The fire started at around midnight.
A judicial inquiry has been opened.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls tweeted (in French): "Deep sadness with regard to the tragedy which mowed down 13 young lives. Compassion and support for the afflicted families."

The local Paris-Normandy newspaper said the fire ignited in the basement of the Cuba Libre bar, which was rented for the evening for the birthday celebration.

Le Cuba Libre bar in Rouen, France

Rouen - where the fire took place

The paper said the ceiling quickly ignited when candles were lit.
The neighbourhood was blocked off, and Rouen Mayor Yvon Robert went to the scene.
The bodies were taken to the University Hospital but they have yet to be identified.