French emergency services are currently attending to an explosion and fire that occurred in the fifth arrondissement area of Paris, causing injuries to dozens of individuals. The image shows the diligent work carried out by these services as they search for two missing people amidst the rubble. The photo was taken by Mohammed Badra/EPA-EFE.
June 21 (UPI) — On Wednesday, central Paris experienced a significant explosion and fire that resulted in the injury of 29 people, four of whom are in critical condition. Rescue workers are currently involved in search and rescue operations as they believe that two individuals are still missing within the rubble of the affected area.
The area near Rue Saint Jacques, specifically the fifth arrondissement, was severely affected by the explosion. The blast, which occurred at approximately 5 p.m. local time, led to the collapse of a building that previously housed the Paris American Academy, a renowned fashion and design school. The fire also spread to nearby buildings, increasing the level of destruction.
A large number of fire and rescue teams promptly responded to the incident on Paris’ Left Bank and were successful in quickly gaining control over the fire.
Although fire officials have yet to officially determine the cause of the explosion, Édouard Civel, the district mayor, has attributed it to a gas leak. Witnesses have reported detecting a strong smell of gas in the area prior to the explosion. Consequently, a legal investigation has been requested by a public prosecutor.
“An investigation is now underway, as part of legal investigation that has been opened on the following charges: unintentional injury with the aggravating circumstance of deliberately endangering the lives of others,” expressed Laure Beccuau, a Paris public prosecutor, in a statement made to Agence France-Presse.
“I would stress that this charge was chosen because we felt it was the most appropriate on the basis of the evidence available at the time,” Beccuau added. “There is nothing to prevent this classification from evolving, even if we have initial elements that lead us to confirm that this explosion originated in the building.”
Residents within the affected area have been temporarily prevented from returning to their homes. In order to accommodate those affected, approximately 20 families who resided in the damaged building and two neighboring structures will be relocated to alternative housing, according to officials from French daily newspaper Le Parisien.
Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, has activated the city’s crisis unit and expressed gratitude towards the police and fire crews for their swift intervention. “First of all, I have a thought for the victims and their loved ones,” stated Hidalgo. “Paris remains mobilized and provides accommodation solutions for this evening and the days to come. Thanks to the Préfecture de Police, the Pompiers Paris and the emergency services for their rapid intervention.”
Following the explosion, French President Emmanuel Macron, who was attending a music festival in Paris at the time, took a moment to acknowledge the injured individuals. “Tonight we celebrate the music, but the heart is not at the party,” stated Macron to the crowd.
“We are thinking of all those who were hit by the explosion in Paris, of the missing persons, of the rescue forces at work.”
