The death toll in the fire that swept through a retirement home in the south of France last night has risen to ten.
Most of the residents were in bed when the blaze broke out in the third floor room of one of the 78 pensioners living at the home in Saint-Bonnet-de-Mure near the city of Lyon.
An 89-year-old woman who was pulled from the blaze died in hospital today from the effects of smoke inhalation, raising the death toll from nine to ten. Medical workers said another two were critically ill.
Police opened an investigation into the cause of the blaze, but the director of the retirement home denied security measures had been inadequate.
She said staff rushed to evacuate the 27 people living on the third floor, most of whom were already in bed.
They died of asphyxiation, the director, who was not named, told Europe 1 radio. "Everyone rushed up, but to carry 27 totally dependent people there would need to be 40 of you."
Sources close to the inquiry said the blaze appeared to be accidental and may have been caused by a candle left unattended.
Twelve people, including six firefighters, were hospitalised after inhaling toxic fumes.