Eleven people missing in France after fire in holiday home

Eleven people are missing after a fire at a holiday home hosting people with learning disabilities in France.

Nearly 80 firefighters were sent to the blaze in La Forge after emergency services were alerted at 06:30 local time (05:30 BST) on Wednesday.

The 11 missing people are considered “potentially deceased”, a local official told AFP news agency.

The fire appears to have started in a property used by a charity helping young people with disabilities.

At least one person has been taken to hospital, after 17 were evacuated.

Confirming a rescue operation is ongoing, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said it was likely there were several casualties from the fire in the town, which is located near Wintzenheim close to the German border.

In a statement, the local government for the Haut-Rhin region said the 11 people missing were part of a group from Nancy, also in eastern France.

Four fire engines and 76 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze, who quickly brought it under under control despite the strength of the fire, it added.

The head of the Bas-Rhin prefecture in eastern France said the people missing in the fire were now considered “potentially deceased”, AFP reports.

Christophe Marot said the people who were inside the building when the blaze broke out have not been found.

French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and families minister Aurore Bergé are heading to Wintzenheim to support the victims and their families.