Owner, Daughter Die in Fauchon Blaze : Broken Gas Line Sparks Fire in Paris’ Famed Luxury Food Store

A ruptured gas line sparked a fire today at the famed Fauchon luxury food store on the Place de la Madeleine, killing the president of the company and her daughter and seriously injuring two other people.

Josette Guelmino, 61, who was physically handicapped, died in the blaze that broke out early this afternoon. Her daughter, Nathalie, was 32.

Firemen used four large ladders to evacuate people trapped on the upper floors of the six-story building. Several people were reported to have suffered from smoke inhalation and about 250 were evacuated.

Fire officials say the blaze broke out in a stairwell in the rear of the building and rapidly spread up to the sixth floor, which was destroyed.

Flames and billowing black smoke could be seen pouring from the building. About 120 firefighters with 20 vehicles worked on the blaze, which was brought under control in about an hour.

Firemen had a difficult time reaching the scene because of the clogged streets, crowded more than usual because of a subway strike. Once they arrived at the scene, a large crowd of shoppers watching the fire also caused problems.

Fauchon was established in 1886 and now employs about 275 people. It is known the world over for its fine wines, caviar, pate de foie gras and even fresh strawberries at Christmas. It also imports luxury food items from around the globe.

Just eight years ago, on Dec. 19, 1977, the store was destroyed by a bomb and subsequent fire. It reopened five months later.