Banker Killed in Apartment Fire Refused to Heed Pleas of Rescuers

Billionaire banker Edmond Safra was still alive when firefighters arrived at his burning apartment, but he ignored their pleas to come out of a locked bathroom, where he then suffocated, Monaco’s chief prosecutor said Saturday.

Daniel Serdet told reporters that Safra’s wife and the firefighters battled through thick smoke to try to save the 67-year-old Lebanese-born businessman who had barricaded himself and his private nurse in the lavatory for safety.

Serdet also said authorities do not yet have evidence to back up the early theory that two hooded men with knives burst in Friday and set the fire, which killed the Republic National Bank of New York founder. Nurse Viviane Torrent, a U.S. citizen, also died.

“The firefighters knocked on the door, but Safra thought it was the assailants and refused to come out,” Serdet said.

The banker’s wife, Lily, and her granddaughter, who hid in another room after a security alarm sounded, were unharmed.

Safra’s male nurse had two knife wounds in his stomach and thigh, and told the police they were received in a scuffle with two hooded men who burst into the apartment. He was being questioned by investigators for a second time Saturday.

“There is nothing else for the time being that backs up this version that two men broke in,” Serdet said.