The investigations of the criminal research institute of the gendarmerie made it possible to privilege the criminal track in the fire at the origin of the fatal explosion of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salanque.
Eight people died in the explosion of a housing complex located in this town in the Pyrénées-Orientales, about twenty kilometers from Perpignan.
The work of the investigators made it possible to determine with certainty that the point of explosion was at the epicenter of the grocery store located on the ground floor of one of the buildings.
It was also established "the presence of fire activators not compatible with the products offered for sale", specifies the public prosecutor of Perpignan, Jean-David Cavaillé.
Gasoline fumes could have caused the explosion
According to the conclusions of the investigation, these products (hydrocarbons) are “likely to generate flammable vapors causing an explosion of the atmosphere explosion type”, continues the prosecutor.
While the criminal nature of this fire is beyond doubt, three people have been indicted: a man suspected of having deliberately set fire to the grocery store, prosecuted for "willful destruction by fire resulting in death, injury and damage”.
The other two, including the store manager, are "for complicity in these crimes and misdemeanors".
Investigators suspect attempted insurance fraud.
All three were imprisoned by the judge of freedoms and detention.
Justice
Fire in Saint-Laurent de la Salanque: Three men indicted
An 8th dead extracted from the rubble of the fire in the eastern Pyrenees
Justice
Fire
Occitania
Perpignan
Languedoc Roussillon