Overview
- A deliberately set fire on May 11 in a seven‑storey block in Décines‑Charpieu killed three people and injured others, with two victims found in an apartment on the top floor and one found outside after jumping to escape the flames.
- The Lyon prosecutor opened an inquiry for homicide volontaire en bande organisée assigned to the Division of Organized and Specialized Crime (DCOS), and two adults plus two minors were placed in garde à vue on May 21 in connection with the case.
- Video surveillance recorded two people in dark clothing leaving the scene on a scooter shortly after the blaze, and investigators say a drug‑related settling of scores is a 'serious' line of inquiry though no target or motive has been confirmed.
- Authorities carried out a large anti‑narcotics campaign across the Rhône that resulted in 122 arrests and the seizure of about 107 kg of drugs and nine weapons, actions officials say were part of efforts to disrupt local organised crime.
- Residents report a spike in fires and shootings in the street since late April, police presence has been increased, and investigators are working to establish each suspect’s role and whether the victims were specifically targeted.