A massive explosion occurred in a building in the center of Paris. Several people were injured, some seriously. The fire department urged residents to avoid the location in the Fifth Arrondissement.
Police stated that at least 37 people were injured in a powerful explosion in central Paris, and many of them are in critical condition. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who visited the site of the blast on Wednesday night, said two people were still missing and were suspected of being under the rubble.
The explosion, which was initially determined to have been caused by a gas leak, led to the partial collapse of a multi-storey building in the 5th arrondissement and caused a large fire that spread to several nearby buildings. The damaged building is said to have housed a fashion design school and a conservatory, among other things. Other houses whose windows were shattered as a result of the explosion were also evacuated.
A large unit of firefighters
The fire brigade called on residents to move away from the scene of the fire near the Luxembourg Garden and allow rescue workers to intervene quickly. Police said a number of buildings had been evacuated.
Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne rushed to the site of the blast, which was cordoned off by soldiers. Mayor Anne Hidalgo said: You have created a crisis center.
Downtown Paris was packed with people Wednesday night as June 21 hosts “Fête de la musique,” a citywide music festival featuring several concerts. According to Agence France-Presse, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched investigations into bodily harm resulting from negligence.