Powerful explosion in the center of Paris

A powerful explosion occurred on Wednesday, June 21, in the fifth arrondissement of Paris on the Rue Saint-Jacques. To date, it is known that at least 29 people have been injured, the condition of 7 of whom is assessed as serious. After the explosion, the building caught fire, after a while the facade collapsed.

According to preliminary data, gas exploded in one of the houses in the fifth district of the French capital. “We heard a strong explosion. We saw black smoke and falling debris,” said one eyewitness.

В Париже прогремел взрыв, горят несколько зданий pic.twitter.com/sxGsO6aBnB

— Athens News (@russianathens) June 21, 2023

As a result of the explosion, the facade of the Paris American Academy, located next to the military hospital, collapsed. Emergency services are on site. Eyewitnesses say there may be people under the rubble.

Explosion in central Paris injures 16 people

Seven people are in critical condition, nine are in serious condition after an explosion in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, BFM reports. According to prosecutors, the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.… pic.twitter.com/pMb7NrIWhG

— S p r i n t e r F a c t o r y (@Sprinterfactory) June 21, 2023

At least 200 firefighters were sent to put out the fire. Local media publish eyewitness accounts who claim that a few minutes before the explosion there was a strong smell of gas in the street. The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed that the explosion was caused by a gas leak. So far, there has been no official statement about the cause of the explosion.

#Explosion in #Paris. Shook my entire apartment. I hope all inside are okay, police and fireman showed up soon afterwards. Media has my permission to use if desired. pic.twitter.com/DD2Mhl9Zzf

— Sean Roberts (@SeanTweetsAlot) June 21, 2023

Four people are in critical condition, BFM TV channel reports. Two more people are listed as missing, they are being searched under the rubble.

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