A devastating fire in an apartment building in Nice, southern France, claimed the lives of seven individuals early Thursday, prompting authorities to consider arson as a potential cause. Among the deceased were three children aged 5, 7, and 10, along with a 17-year-old who attempted to escape by leaping from a window, according to authorities. The apartment was home to a family of Comoran descent, as stated by regional prefect Hugues Moutouh. The fire erupted with ten occupants inside. Emergency services were notified at approximately 2:30 am (0030 GMT) about the inferno on the seventh floor of the building located in the low-income Les Moulins neighborhood, notorious for drug trafficking. Despite the extensive emergency response, seven lives were lost in the blaze, confirmed by firefighters. Neighbors rushed to place mattresses outside to cushion the impact for those escaping through windows. Four police officers required psychological support after witnessing the harrowing scene. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged on social media that the swift firefighter intervention likely averted further fatalities. Both Darmanin and Prime Minister Gabriel Attal were scheduled to visit the site later Thursday. Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli announced that a criminal investigation into the fire, suspected to be arson, had been initiated. No specifics were provided, but Deputy Mayor Anthony Borre mentioned surveillance footage capturing three men in balaclavas nearby. Borre condemned the actions as barbaric and anticipated a robust response from authorities upon completion of the investigation. President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Nice, sharing his condolences for the victims on social media. Authorities believe the fire originated on the second floor and ascended through the stairwell to upper levels. Rescuers transported three individuals to the hospital, including one with critical injuries from a window jump. Firefighters described the situation as a fierce apartment fire, executing three aerial rescues and evacuating numerous residents. A resident named Soibrata, who resides on the fifth floor, recounted waking children and contacting firefighters, who advised them to seal doors with wet towels and await rescue on the balcony. Soibrata and other residents disputed the prosecutor's claim that firefighters arrived within 10 minutes, stating the wait was significantly longer. Neighbors took measures to prevent the spread of fire by dousing adjacent balconies with water, safeguarding against falling embers. Twenty evacuees were temporarily housed, with Mayor Christian Estrosi planning to establish a crisis unit to assist those affected by the tragedy.