The Strasbourg remand center (Elsau). - G. VARELA / 20 MINUTES

A minor incarcerated in the prison of Elsau, in Strasbourg, was injured in the fire which started on Wednesday evening in his cell, we learned Thursday from concordant sources.

The minor, who was alone, was burned in particular "in the lower limbs" and bothered by the fumes of smoke. He was evacuated to Hautepierre University Hospital under oxygen, according to a source familiar with the matter.

He was transferred "in absolute emergency", according to the departmental operational center for fire and rescue (Codis) which counts three other lightly injured: two minors and a supervisor.

The fire started from the mattress

According to initial police findings, the fire started from the mattress. Incarcerated for the first time since April 11, the minor did not present any difficulties, according to the source close to the file, who did not know the reason for his gesture.

The fire, which started around 9 pm, "was quickly put out by the guards using an RIA", an armed fire valve, said Codis. According to the source close to the file, the staff "extracted the detainee from his cell and circumscribed the home".

The two detainees in the adjacent cells were examined by a doctor and then returned to their cells. A doctor also visited each cell in the minor quarter, which accommodates 17 detainees in all, as well as on the upper floor of adults, to check their state of health, said the same source.

  • Jail
  • Strasbourg
  • Fire
  • Society