13 youths die in devastating bar fire in France

Paris: At least 13 people have died after a fire ravaged and destroyed a bar in Rouen, the capital of the French region of Normandy, a local newspaper reports. Most of the victims were reportedly young people attending a birthday party.

The fire started around midnight at a bar where young people had been gathering to celebrate a private birthday party in the northern city of Rouen, the Paris-Normandie newspaper reports. Firefighters responded to the emergency, and have declared 13 people dead so far.

The fire was allegedly caused by an accidental explosion on site, the publication reports.

Authorities expect the death toll to rise, the newspaper added.