Paris explosion caused by suspected gas leak injures dozens, damages buildings, police say

Dozens of people were injured and several buildings were damaged after an explosion rocked central Paris.

Dozens of people were injured and hundreds were sent running for safety in central Paris after an explosion caused by a suspected gas leak rocked the city Wednesday afternoon, according to police and firefighters.

The incident took place around 4:55 p.m. local time at the Paris American Academy on Rue Saint-Jacques, officials said. As of Wednesday night, four people were listed in critical condition, 33 victims were in serious condition and two were unaccounted for, according to French Interior Minister Gérard Darmanin.

PHOTO: French firefighters and rescue forces work after several buildings on fire following a gas explosion in Paris, France, June 21, 2023.
French firefighters and rescue forces work after several buildings on fire following a gas explosion in Paris, France, June 21, 2023.
Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

"It is possible that we will find bodies or people who are still alive tonight," he said at a news conference.

The explosion shattered nearby windows and sent thick smoke into the air throughout the afternoon.

PHOTO: Smoke rises above rooftops following a gas explosion in Paris, June 21, 2023.
Smoke rises above rooftops following a gas explosion in Paris, June 21, 2023.
Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters

Hundreds of firefighters and police raced to the scene as civilians ran for safety. The facade of the building completely collapsed.

Fire department crews were able to contain the fire and search and rescue teams were going through the rubble.

PHOTO: French firefighters, police and rescue forces work after several buildings on fire following a gas explosion in Paris, June 21, 2023.
French firefighters, police and rescue forces work after several buildings on fire following a gas explosion in Paris, June 21, 2023.
Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters

The Paris prosecutor told to ABC News that nearby buildings in the area have been evacuated due to concerns about their structural integrity following the explosion. Police officials told reporters that a preliminary investigation appears to show a suspected gas leak may have been the cause, but the probe is ongoing.

The U.S. Embassy said it was not aware of any Americans involved in the incident.

PHOTO:Firefighters use a water canon as they fight a blaze, June 21, 2023 in Paris.
Firefighters use a water canon as they fight a blaze, June 21, 2023 in Paris.
Christophe Ena/AP

The school was founded in 1965 and offers teaching in fashion design, interior design, fine arts and creative writing, the Associated Press reported.

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