Incident details
At least 24 people were injured and two are missing after an explosion in Paris caused the partial collapse of two buildings. The incident took place at the Paris American Academy, but the fire spread to neighboring properties. Although the origin of the incident is still unknown, the authorities have established an extensive emergency operation in the area.
Explosion and fire
On Wednesday, a loud bang shook a building in Paris, sparking a fire that sent smoke over the city’s monuments. As a result, nearby buildings were evacuated. Police said at least 16 people were injured in the incident. The precise cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. However, witnesses mentioned a strong smell of gas moments before the blast.
Injured and current situation
According to police in the French capital, at least 16 people were injured, including four in critical condition. It is still too early to determine the exact cause of the explosion, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. The town’s deputy mayor mentioned a possible gas explosion in a Twitter message. Emergency services are working to determine if there are people trapped in collapsed buildings.
Response of the authorities and emergency operation
Police and military officers set up a security cordon in the streets near the scene of the incident. More than 200 firefighters, with several vehicles, are battling the flames and working to extinguish the blaze. According to the Paris police chief, the fire has been contained but not completely put out. The mayor of the district and the mayor of Paris are at the scene and have activated the city’s crisis unit.
Testimonies and description of the event
Eyewitnesses describe the explosion as extremely violent, with shards of glass falling from the affected buildings. Although the smell of smoke lingers in the air, the plume of smoke has been reduced as firefighters continue to battle the flames. The area has been cordoned off and numerous emergency teams, police and soldiers are in the area.
Design School affected
According to testimonies, the building that collapsed is the Paris American Academy, a two-story design school. Authorities are expected to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Response from authorities
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo rushed to the scene to learn about the situation, saying on Twitter: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I am in place and we have activated the Paris crisis unit.” Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion and provide support to those affected.
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