At least 13 dead and 6 injured in bar fire in French city of Rouen

At least 13 people have been killed and 6 injured in a bar fire in the northern French city of Rouen. The fire was reportedly caused by an accidental explosion, with police saying terrorism is not suspected at this time. The victims, ranging in age from 18 to 25, were reportedly celebrating at a birthday party. Authorities were describing the fire as an accident, possibly started by candles on the birthday cake setting fire to flammable material in the ceiling. According to French media, one of the party-goers was said to have stumbled while carrying a cake with lit candles down the stairs to the lower floor. Flames spread quickly to polystyrene ceiling tiles which gave off a cloud of noxious fumes that choked victims, who were unable to escape.

No identities have been disclosed and authorities have said they expect the death toll to rise, the "Paris-Normandie" newspaper reported. The bodies have been taken to the University Hospital of Rouen, where a support unit for families is being set up. Eleven witnesses were taken to the Rouen central police station to be interviewed.