“It's amazing what he did. Like Jacky, residents and residents of 134, boulevard Brune in the 14th arrondissement, Porte d'Orléans, many praise the courage shown by Djalega Léon Gnahore, in the aftermath of the violent fire that ravaged 16 apartments on Thursday morning.
This 31-year-old employee of a maintenance and cleaning company has been working with residents for almost a year every day. Thursday, around 7.45 am, he was taking out the trash when he saw smoke coming from the second floor. Without hesitation, he then rushes into the building to warn the residents for many who are still asleep. "I started knocking on the ground floor doors and shouting to wake everyone up," says Djalega, often glancing at the charred bricks. And I went up to the 2nd floor, because I know there is a very old lady. She is deaf and cannot see very well. "
"She had fire on her head!"
When he managed to reach her, it was a shock: "She had fire on her head! I took off my T-shirt to put out the flames in his hair and I wore it to go out in disaster. I didn't see much with smoke, ”he recalls.
VIDEO. Paris: violent fire in a building in the 14th arrondissement
When they reached the courtyard, the firefighters, who had arrived in the meantime, took charge of them. “They told me to go to the hospital too because I had breathed a lot of smoke. I hadn't felt anything myself. We were separated with the lady but I was told that she was fine. I am happy. This Friday, the victim was still under observation at the hospital for smoke inhalations, but his life is not in danger. The 12 families affected have all been relocated, says the RIVP (Régie immobilière de la Ville de Paris), owner of the building. A psychological unit has also been set up.
"An admirable man"
"Fortunately the firefighters arrested him, otherwise he would have continued trying to help people," assures Jacky, the neighbor. The lady he saved is very old, she would never have survived. It is also a miracle that there were no deaths, the flames were so violent. "
This witness to the fire is full of praise for the hero: “He is a very appreciated, adorable and always smiling employee. What courage in the face of danger! An admirable man. "Djalega is very appreciated. During confinement, he was present every day, while he lived an hour from here (Editor's note: in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, in the Yvelines) . He did not hesitate to come to the aid of the inhabitants at the risk of his own life. We also want to do something for him, ”explains Sandrine, who lives in the building facing the disaster-stricken one.
Waiting for his asylum request
Because Djalega is Ivorian and asylum seeker. Arrived in France in December 2018, the former phone seller in Abidjan, like many in his situation, hoped to find here "a better life". “It was not easy, but I love my job. I am very touched because the locals applauded me. It does me good, loose Djalega in a big smile, hand on the heart and already back to his post. I did not think about it: I knew that if I did not intervene, the worst could have happened. It is important to help each other and be united. "
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The inhabitants intend to mobilize for their savior. "We want his request to be accepted. Carine Petit, the mayor of the 14th century, came to the gymnasium where the families were welcomed to greet him for his bravery. But it has to go further than public thanks, ”insists Sandrine.