Laon: Two Young Firefighters Found Dead in Rubble After Collapsed Burning Building

The bodies of two volunteer firefighters were found lifeless on Tuesday, June 10, in Laon (Aisne), nearly 18 hours after they went missing during a response to a violent fire. Aged 22 and 23, the two corporals had been unaccounted for since the collapse of a burning building on Monday evening on Rue Châtelaine, in the historic center of the city.

The fire broke out around 8:45 p.m. in an apartment. While responding on the ground floor, the two men were trapped when the structure collapsed just over an hour into the operation. Rescue efforts, including 168 firefighters and specialized search-and-rescue teams from several departments, continued through the night. The blaze affected five buildings in total. All residents were safely evacuated. Three people, including one firefighter, sustained minor injuries.

A Nation Mourns Their Sacrifice

“This tragedy is a harsh reminder of the total commitment firefighters make, despite the daily risks they face,” the Aisne prefecture stated in a press release. The prefect praised the “exemplary dedication” of the two young men and expressed her support for their families, loved ones, and fellow firefighters during this “terrible ordeal.”

President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity on X (formerly Twitter): “The nation stands with their families and with all the firefighters of France who risk their lives to protect us.”

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who visited the scene on Tuesday afternoon, noted that one of the firefighters was the father of a young child. “Today, the Republic stands with them. These are men and women who teach us daily lessons in civic duty,” he said, paying tribute to their “quiet, daily courage.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident.