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Fire brigade operation in Nördlingen: devastating fire

Photo: Marius Bulling / dpa

According to initial findings, a five-year-old boy caused a devastating fire in a residential complex for asylum seekers in Nördlingen, Swabia.

Initial investigations indicated that the boy was playing with a lighter at the facility on Sunday, police said.

The furnishings of the apartment caught fire and the fire spread to other apartments.

A 64-year-old was on the premises at the time of the fire and reportedly collapsed during the fire.

He later died in hospital.

Autopsy planned

The man lived in the house next door and, according to initial findings, was not in the property.

It is therefore conceivable that his death had no direct connection to the fire.

An autopsy should provide clarity.

According to investigators, twelve people were injured, suffering smoke inhalation and external injuries.

jpz/dpa/AFP