World News Online reported that a witness was able to speak to a television station in France about the birthday party fire.
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Police said earlier the flames had ignited polystyrene on the ceiling of the basement room, releasing a toxic mix of gasses that poisoned the victims.
The blaze started at around midnight at the Au Cuba Libre bar in the city centre, and the firemen were at the scene by 00:20 am (2220 GMT Friday).
The secretary general of the prefecture of Seine-Maritime, Yvan Cordier, said that emergency services had “intervened very quickly”.
The fatal blast, supposed to have been inadvertent, transpirered at the Cuba Libre club, located in the French city of Rouen, Normandy.
At least six people were rescued and were treated for their injuries.
According to local police, fears the fire may have been an act of terrorism appear to be unfounded. Those who survived are all believed to be aged between 18 and 25.
The area has been blocked off, and French interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said a judicial investigation has been opened to discover the cause of the blaze.
Prime Minister Manuel Valls wrote: “Deep sadness with regard to the tragedy which mowed down 13 young lives”. “I express my solidarity and compassion to the victims’ families”. Responsibility for that attack was later claimed by the Islamic State.
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The funeral for Father Jacques Hamel was held at Rouen cathedral on Tuesday. Rouen, which is in the Normandy region of France, is just a few miles away from a village where two teens killed a Catholic priest last month.
