Fire erupts in central Paris after gas explosion

International

21-06-2023, 21:30

+A -A

INA - SOURCES

A fiery gas explosion in central Paris resulted in injuries to at least 29 people and drew hundreds of firefighters to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.

Some 270 firefighters were deployed to the scene near Rue Saint Jacques in the city’s fifth arrondissement, and have contained the fire, Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told reporters.

Four people were “critically injured” in the incident, police said, and officials say rescue workers are looking for at least two people thought to be missing in the rubble.

A part of the building collapsed following the blast and fire, videos show. Smoke was seen billowing from the rubble earlier on Wednesday as rescue workers attempted to tackle the blaze.