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Gas Explosion in Central Paris Injures Dozens
Powerful blast tears through building on the Left Bank, prompting widespread response
Rescue workers search for survivors amidst debris
Rescue workers combed through debris in central Paris on Thursday, a day after a powerful explosion ripped through a building on the Left Bank, injuring about 40 people. The blast, which occurred at an apartment building near the Sorbonne University, sent a plume of smoke into the air and sparked a fire that firefighters extinguished within hours.
According to Paris police, the explosion was caused by a gas leak, which ignited shortly before 5:00 PM local time on Wednesday. The blast partially collapsed the six-story building, trapping occupants inside. Rescuers worked through the night to locate and evacuate victims, using sniffer dogs and heavy machinery to access the rubble.
As of Thursday morning, 37 people had been confirmed injured in the explosion, with four of them in critical condition. The French Ministry of the Interior said that all of the injured had been taken to local hospitals, and that their conditions were being monitored.
The explosion caused significant damage to the building and surrounding area. Dozens of firefighters and police officers responded to the scene, and the street was cordoned off to traffic. Authorities have evacuated neighboring buildings as a safety precaution, and structural engineers are assessing the stability of the affected building.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited the scene of the explosion on Thursday morning and expressed his support for the victims and their families. He vowed that the government would provide all necessary assistance in the aftermath of the disaster.
The cause of the gas leak is still under investigation, but authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive. The explosion is a reminder of the hazards of gas leaks and the importance of regular safety inspections of gas appliances and infrastructure.
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