Eleven people missing in France after fire in holiday home

Eleven people are missing after a fire at a holiday cottage where a group of disabled people were staying in eastern France.

Nearly 80 firefighters were sent to the blaze in Wintzenheim after emergency services were alerted at 06:30 local time on Wednesday.

It appears to have started in a property used by a charity helping young people with disabilities.

At least one person has been taken to hospital, after 17 were evacuated.

Confirming a rescue operation is ongoing, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said it was likely there are several casualties from the fire in the town close to the German border.

The local government in a statement said the fire was under control, AFP reports.

The 11 missing are part of a group of people from Nancy, also in eastern France, according to Reuters.