Two Firefighters Killed As Explosion Tears Through Paris Baker And Dozens Injured
PARIS, Two firefighters died when a large explosion tore through a bakery in central Paris Today Saturday, According to Paris prosecutor. Officials earlier said four people had died, but revised down the toll without explanation.
The first responders killed were trying to save the lives of their colleagues and other victims of the blast,
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.
More than three dozen people were injured in the incident and 10 people remain in critical condition, he said.
At least one other firefighter remains in life threatening condition, Castaner told French broadcaster BFMTV. Tyhe officials said firefighters were already responding to a call of a gas leak at the scene when the explosion struck.
Paris Prosecutor Rémy Heitz said at a press conference that the incident was believed to be the result of the leak, and that its source was under investigation. Some of the emergency personnel helped those injured in the explosion in Paris.
The blast, which hit the French capital at around 9 a.m. 3 a.m. ET. Triggered a fire. Police where asking people to stay away and allow for emergency crews to access the area.
The bakery, on Rue de Trévise, is in a busy tourist area known for its theaters and is in walking distance from the flagship location of the popular French department store Galeries Lafayette.
There are also has many hotels and restaurants around the immediate site of the bakery.
The blast left the street covered in debris, and destroying the facades of adjacent buildings. Window shutters were ripped off their hinges and windows shattered, coating the area with glass.
Vehicles were crushed and at least one was flipped over by the power of the explosion.
Castaner visited the scene less than two hours after the blast and said more than 200 firefighters were engaged in the rescue operation.
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