Arson theory in hotel blaze

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33804, 29 March 1975, Page 15

Arson theory in hotel blaze

(N.Z.P A.-Reuter—Copyright) SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE (Italy), March 28.

Investigators are today sifting disturbing evidence suggesting that the cause of a fire which killed 16 people and injured 37 in the northern Italian ski resort of Santa Maria Maggiore vesterdav mav have been arson.

The victims, mainly French tourists on an Easter skiing holiday, were all on the top two floors of the luxury Excelsior Hotel when the fire broke out. Several people were killed or injured as thev jumped from windows to the snow beneath, while others were burnt alive in their rooms. Preliminary investigations i have suggested close links; with a fire which destroyed another hotel in Santa Maria, a month ago. but without' causing any casualties. Both fires began on the; first floor and again on the fourth floor before the 1 flames had had time to; spread from below, the investigators say. One in- '

spector told a press, conference last night that there was irrefutable evidence that a second fire had broken out separately in a fourth-floor room of the Excelsior. Rescue workers toiled throughout the night. Most of the victims were in their pyjamas when caught by the fife, and identification of dead and injured f>as proved difficult. Four of the most seriously; injured have been sent back to France aboard a special Red Cross aircraft. The French ConsulGeneral in Turin has gone to; the scene of the disaster to try to help with identification. j