At around 1:30 A.M., on 14 February 2022, an explosion happened on the ground floor of a building in Rue Arago, Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque. It was followed by a major fire occurring either in the snack bar or at the grocery store.[4] At least 11 apartments were affected.[5] A witness said that they had first seen "a very loud explosion", followed by "huge flames."[6] Another neighbour described it as "a horror scene … it was extraordinarily violent."[7] The fire finally died down at noon after authorities had employed a team of 120 firefighters and some gendarmes.[8]
Fatalities
Eight people, including two children, were killed by the blast. Three people were severely injured after inhaling smoke from the fire, and another man who had jumped out the building's window suffered serious injuries.[9][6] Many survivors of the blast have suffered psychological damage.[10] Among the dead were a young couple and their two children; one was a 2-3-year-old boy and the other was a baby.[11]
While the initial estimated death toll was seven, it was raised to eight the next day. A 66-year-old woman is still missing but unlikely to be alive.[12]
Aftermath
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and are currently investigating if it could be a case of arson.[13] Two gas cylinders were found near the scene.[14][15]
In April three suspects were taken into custody. All three were of North African origin, including a Tunisian shopkeeper and two Algerians.[16][17]
