Woman dies in fire on French maternity ward

A new mother died of smoke inhalation when a fire broke out in the maternity ward of a French hospital, rescue services said.

The woman’s child survived the blaze at Joseph-Imbert hospital in Arles, southern France yesterday, and was placed in intensive care. Fourteen women and 11 babies were evacuated to another part of the hospital, rescuers said.

The cause of the fire was still unclear. It destroyed part of the building, including an office and storage room.