Two firefighters have died and dozens more people were injured
after a gas leak caused an explosion in Paris, emergency services in the French
capital say.
The blast occurred at a bakery at 9 a.m. local time on Saturday, as
firefighters were responding reports of the leak.
Police had originally said four people had died, before revising
down the death count.
"At this hour, 2 firefighters from the Paris fire brigade are
dead. 10 people are seriously injured, including a firefighter. 37 people are
in a state of relative emergency," French Interior Minister Christophe
Castaner tweeted.
"Profound sadness. Standing by the families of victims. The
nation shares in their pain," he added.
Pictures from the scene, Rue de Trevise in the 9th arrondissement
of the French capital, showed smashed windows and scattered debris across the
street, as fire crews evacuated people from apartments above the bakery.
"At this stage, we can tell the origin of the explosion is
accidental, a gas leak, but we should remain prudent as an ongoing
investigation will determine the causes of this," Heitz said.
Castaner, who visited the scene with Prime Minister Edouarde
Philippe and the city's mayor Anne Hidalgo, wrote earlier on Twitter that the
toll of victims "will be heavy."
Rue de Trévise, aux côtés du Premier ministre, du procureur de
Paris, du @prefpolice et de la
Maire de la capitale.
Plus de 200 @PompiersParis sont engagés dans les opérations de secours.
Le bilan s’annonce lourd.
Mes premières pensées vont aux blessés et leurs proches.
Plus de 200 @PompiersParis sont engagés dans les opérations de secours.
Le bilan s’annonce lourd.
Mes premières pensées vont aux blessés et leurs proches.
More than 200 firefighters are responding to the incident, Castaner
wrote. "My first thoughts go to those injured and their loved ones,"
he added.
