PRESS RELEASE FROM THE HÉRAULT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE. The interviews with 11 of the 12 firefighters who were summoned yesterday morning by the judicial authorities to the premises of the Montpellier Gendarmerie’s investigation unit have now concluded. As stated by the Public Prosecutor of Béziers, one of the firefighters summoned was able to secure a postponement of his interview due to personal circumstances.
The fire brigade therefore answered the investigators’ various questions point by point over the course of several hours, providing precise details. Following the various interviews and in light of the information provided to the investigators, there was no referral to an investigating judge and, consequently, no formal charges were brought.
According to judicial sources, other firefighters are due to be questioned shortly under the same police custody arrangements. “They are simply being questioned. They are being held in police custody so that each of them can explain their exact role… in order to understand how this could have happened and, on that basis, to determine who, if anyone, is responsible,” Prosecutor Yvon Calvet told AFP.
"The time spent in police custody was long and gruelling"
The Public Prosecutor has opened a judicial inquiry, thereby entrusting the investigations to an investigating judge in order to carry out the enquiries that will bring to light the truth so long awaited not only by the families, but also for the staff of the Hérault departmental fire and rescue service, who have been severely affected by this tragic and painful accident.
The period in police custody was long and gruelling for the 11 officers questioned, who provided the judicial authorities with the information required to advance the investigation. Given the sensitive nature of this case – both for the families and for the staff involved in the investigation, as well as to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly – we ask that you refrain from spreading false rumours or misinformation.