Two firefighters missing in Laon after building collapse during violent fire

Two young firefighters, aged 23 and 24, are missing in Laon (Aisne) after being buried under the rubble of a building that collapsed Monday evening, June 9, during a violent fire. Despite the scale of the blaze, all residents were safely evacuated and no civilian injuries have been reported.

The intervention began shortly before 9 p.m. on Rue Châtelaine, in the city center near the cathedral. The fire started in an apartment before quickly spreading throughout the building. More than an hour after the operation began, a structural collapse occurred while the two firefighters were on the ground floor, according to a police source.

Massive mobilization and specialized equipment on site

Search efforts have been ongoing since Monday night. Over 160 firefighters from Aisne and neighboring departments (Nord, Oise, Somme, Pas-de-Calais, Val-d’Oise) are involved, supported by specialized technical resources. These include exploration and debris removal teams as well as a robot designed for intervention in high-risk zones.

The prefect of Aisne stated that all efforts are focused on locating the missing firefighters and expressed support for the teams involved. Éric Brocardi, spokesperson for the National Federation of Firefighters of France, emphasized the urgency: “Every minute counts.”

A historic district at risk

Laon, built on a medieval plateau, is home to old and fragile buildings. The city’s mayor, Éric Delaye, confirmed that the fire spread rapidly through these historic structures. He also mentioned the risk of collapse for neighboring buildings, leading to evacuations within the affected perimeter.

Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area and respect the safety perimeter, especially around Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Franklin Roosevelt, where access is now prohibited.

National emotion

France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, responded Tuesday morning regarding the two missing firefighters: “There is still hope. My thoughts are with their families and colleagues who continue the search.”

The prefecture also reminded that the cause of the fire remains unknown. An investigation has been opened.