Paris gas explosion: At least 24 injured
Four people are in critical condition and two are believed to be trapped under rubble after an explosion started a blaze in central Paris. Officials have said a total of 37 people have been injured.
“The explosion was extremely violent,” said Florence Berthout, mayor for the fifth arrondissement of the city, where the explosion happened.
Journalist Olivier Galzi told BFM TV that he had seen the facade of a nearby building “completely collapse”. People were urged to avoid the area.
The incident occurred at the Paris American Academy in Rue Saint-Jacques, close to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Sorbonne University. It is a design school offering courses in fashion, interior design, and the arts.
Paris police spokeswoman Loubna Atta said it was too early to determine the source of the fire and could not confirm reports it was caused by a gas explosion.
Huge plumes of black smoke swelled into the air over the surrounding neighbourhood, but the fire was quickly brought under control.
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