Four people died in a fire at a retirement home in Bedburg-Hau in the western German state of North Rhine Westphalia, according to initial reports.
Police said on Monday morning said the fire broke out during the night.
One person's life is in danger, a firefighter and a police officer were seriously injured and 15 other people suffered minor injuries.
Reports said that 46 residents of the retirement home had to be evacuated. The cause of the fire was still unclear.
Regional public broadcaster WDR initially reported the news.
When the fire brigade arrived at around 5 am (0400 GMT), the situation was dramatic, WDR reported, citing a fire brigade spokesman. Some of the firefighters had to break windows to rescue the residents.
