Deadly Arson Suspected in Montpellier Grocery Store Fire, Two Killed

The terrible tragedy occurred on the night of Sunday, October 6 to Monday, October 7, in the center of Montpellier (Hérault). While trying to rescue Lakhdar Sebaa, 70, manager of the Pas-du-Loup grocery store, who was on fire, Salah Eddine El Ibrimi died, reports Midi Libre. The septuagenarian also lost his life. According to the first elements of the investigation, it would be a criminal fire.

A surveillance camera would have filmed two individuals approaching the business, a can in hand, reveals the preliminary investigation. Images show one of them fleeing, just moments after the start of the fire. "There is a strong chance that we are heading towards an arson, even a criminal one," is convinced Bruno Bartoccetti, national delegate secretary of the Police Unité union.

DNA samples taken on site will allow investigators to shed light on this tragedy.