A powerful explosion shook the heart of Paris on Wednesday, triggering a fierce fire that consumed a building in the city's central area and prompting a swift response from firefighters. Paris Police Chief Laurent Nunez confirmed 16 injuries, with seven individuals in serious condition. While the fire has been brought under control, it continues to burn.
The incident unfolded on Paris' Left Bank, sending a dense plume of smoke billowing over the iconic Pantheon monument. Authorities evacuated surrounding buildings as firefighters battled the flames. Local news outlets cited witnesses who reported a significant explosion preceding the fire, followed by the partial collapse of a building.
French media outlet BFM TV reported that the cause of the explosion remains undetermined. Investigators are exploring several possibilities, including a potential gas leak as the source of the blast.
The affected building, according to the Paris police chief, housed the Paris American Academy, a private institution established in 1965 offering courses in fashion design, interior design, fine arts, and creative writing.
BFM TV described the complete collapse of the academy's facade, with debris scattered across rue Saint-Jacques. The building is situated next to the Val-de-Grâce military hospital.
Initially, Paris police spokeswoman Loubna Atta stated it was premature to identify the cause of the fire and refrained from confirming reports of a gas explosion, as reported by The Associated Press. Reuters reported that BFM TV showed fire crews establishing a perimeter around the affected area and using hoses to douse the flames.
Florence Berthout, the mayor of the arrondissement, characterized the explosion as "extremely violent," noting that glass fragments continued to fall from nearby buildings.
While Police Chief Nunez confirmed several injuries, some critical, he did not disclose an exact count or specify whether any were life-threatening. The Paris prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation into aggravated involuntary injury, focusing on potential safety violations as a contributing factor to the explosion.
Across social media, Parisians shared images and videos capturing the massive smoke plume visible throughout much of the city. Photos also depicted armed French soldiers securing the area surrounding the fire.
Journalist Olivier Galzi, speaking to BFM TV, recounted witnessing the complete collapse of a nearby building's facade.
