06/22/2023 11:09 am (act. 06/22/2023 11:10 am)
Two injured still in danger ©APA
After an alleged gas explosion in central Paris, rescuers continue to search for a missing person under the rubble of the collapsed house. Two of the injured were still in critical condition on Thursday. Investigations into the cause continued. The explosion took place late Wednesday afternoon in the building of a private fashion school in the center of the French capital.
The cause of the accident was initially unclear, but residents reported a strong smell of gas shortly before. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating negligent bodily harm and alleged violations of safety regulations.
The explosion was so violent that the building almost completely collapsed, a raging fire broke out. At least 37 people were injured, four of them seriously. Firefighters stopped the flames from spreading to two adjacent buildings. However, they had to be released due to static concerns.
The center of Paris was full of people on Wednesday night: on June 21, the Fête de la Musique (Music Festival) takes place traditionally in France with several free outdoor concerts.