A fire in an asylum seekers’ centre in canton Bern has left 26 people injured, police said on Thursday.
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The cause of the fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning in the centre in the village of Kappelen bei Lyss, is not yet known. But Bern cantonal police said there was no evidence to suggest an arson attack.
The four-storey building is now in danger of collapse, which is hindering police investigations, said a police official at a media conference in the village.
In all, 26 people were injured, with some having jumped out of windows, despite emergency exits being open, the authorities said. Some suffered broken bones and back injuries.
Around 100 asylum seekers who escaped unhurt are being looked after by the civilian protection authorities.
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