11 died in a French vacation home fire - had allegedly broken several safety rules

Eleven people died in a fire in a holiday home for disabled adults in eastern France early Wednesday, officials said.

Update Thursday August 10: According to the  BBC, the French holiday for disabled adults had broken several safety rules: 

CBC.ca and several other international media report that only those on ground floor of building were able to escape. 

The fire department sent 76 firefighters, four fire engines and four ambulances to both deal with the fire and to help support victims. Forty police officers were also deployed. 

Authorities said 17 people were evacuated, including one who was sent to a hospital with serious injuries.

Rescue leader Lt. Col. Philippe Hauwiller said the fire likely started on the home's upper floor and that an investigation would determine the cause of the fire. Only those who were staying on the ground floor of the private accommodation managed to escape, he stated. 

French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: "In the face of this tragedy, my thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families. Thank you to our security forces and emergency services."

Photo Credit: The remains of the vacation home after the fire in Wintzenheim, France. Photo posted by Stéphane Haussoulier on X  (formerly Twitter).