A fire at a holiday home in France hosting people with learning disabilities has left eleven people missing.

The fire in La Forge was put out by 80 firefighters after emergency services were alerted at 06:30 local time (05:30 BST).

It has been reported that 11 people are missing, and they are considered “potentially deceased”, according to AFP.

There is evidence that the fire started in a property that is used by a charity that helps young people with disabilities.

In addition to 17 people being evacuated, one person has been taken to the hospital.

It is likely that several people died in the fire near Wintzenheim, which is close to the German border, according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who confirmed it was ongoing.

Local authorities in the Haut-Rhin region said the 11 missing were part of a group from Nancy, also in eastern France.

Despite the strength of the fire, 76 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze and brought it under control quickly.

As reported by AFP, the head of the Bas-Rhin prefecture in eastern France said the missing people were now considered “potentially deceased”.

The people who were inside the building when the fire broke out have not been located, according to Christophe Marot.

As a gesture of support for the victims and their families, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Minister of Families Aurore Bergé are traveling to Wintzenheim.