13 dead, 6 injured as fire hits bar during birthday party in France

PARIS: A fast-moving fire that appeared to be accidental swept through a birthday party in a basement bar in northwest France, killing at least 13 people and injuring six others, authorities said on Saturday. More than 80 firefighters battled the early Saturday blaze at the downtown Cuba Libre bar in the city of Rouen, Mayor Yvon Robert said, calling the fire “very brief.” Vice prosecutor Laurent Labadie told The Associated Press that police investigation indicated the “fire was completely accidental.” “Candles on a birthday cake started the fire after the person who carried it tripped on the stairs leading to the basement,” Labadie said.

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