A gas explosion shook one of the streets in the bustling Latin Quarter of central Paris today, Wednesday, injuring around 40 people, including 4 in critical condition. The blast also led to fires and the collapse of the facade of a design school frequented by international students. Authorities stated that rescue workers are searching for two missing individuals feared to be buried under the debris.
Paris police chief Laurent Nunez reported that the facade of a building fell into the street due to the explosion, with a large number of firefighters and police deployed to the scene. While the Paris prosecutor's office refrained from speculating on the cause of the incident, deeming it premature, local deputy mayor Edouard Seville tweeted that the explosion was due to gas. Witnesses told BFM TV that there was a strong smell of gas moments before the explosion occurred.
More than 200 firefighters participated in the response to the fire, and French television channel BFM reported that several injuries were in critical condition following the incident. The explosion occurred during the time when employees were returning home, and the area was crowded with tourists and international students at the start of the summer.
Local media reported that "the explosion was extremely powerful," which took place on Rue Saint-Jacques, not far from the Val de Grâce hospital in the fifth arrondissement. Firefighters evacuated the area.
The Latin Quarter is one of the most famous and historic neighborhoods in the French capital, considered the beating heart of Paris due to its landmarks and monuments that reflect the history of France. It is home to many historical sites visited by tourists from all over the world.
