VIDEO: Fire Following Explosion in Paris Extinguished; Several Injured, Including Those in Critical Condition

On Wednesday, June 21, a major explosion rocked a building in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, resulting in part of the structure collapsing, reports France24.

The Paris police have confirmed that 7 individuals are in critical condition, while another 9 are being treated for serious injuries.

It has been noted that the fire which followed the explosion has been successfully extinguished.

A spokesperson for the Paris police, Lubna Attan, stated that it is too early to determine the cause of the fire and cannot confirm reports that the incident was due to a gas explosion.

However, according to several media sources, it is believed that a gas leak may have caused the explosion in Paris.

According to the Paris prosecutor's office, “a building caught fire and partially collapsed” on Rue Saint-Jacques, near the Notre Dame du Val-de-Grâce church.

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has urged people to avoid the vicinity of Rue Saint-Jacques to not hinder the ongoing work at the scene.