URGENT:explosion in paris due to gas leak

2019-01-12 11:20:54

A huge blast has rocked central Paris, setting buildings and cars alight and reportedly injuring a number of people. The explosion happened on the Rue de Trevise in the 9th arrondissement commercial district on Saturday morning at around 9am local time (8pm AEDT). Photographs circulating on social media show several historic buildings alight, their windows blown out, and debris spread across the streets. Police cars and dozens of fire-fighting trucks are parked along the streets, and abandoned bicycles, rubbish bins and building materials have been spread across central streets. The cause of the blast is not known although there are unconfirmed reports it may have been caused by a gas leak at a bakery. Police are yet to confirm the suspected cause of the blast or any casualties but pictures show firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and evacuate some people from the building using ladders. Emergency workers also treated some of the injured at the scene. AFP.