Paris bakery blast: Four dead, dozens injured

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Europe

00:45

The death toll from a gas explosion in central Paris has risen to four after rescue workers found the body of a missing woman in the rubble, AFP quoted the investigators as saying on Sunday.

Two firefighters and a Spanish tourist were also killed in the massive blast that gutted parts of a building, injured dozens, and badly damaged nearby apartments.

The blast that reportedly occurred at the Hubert bakery in the city's 9th District almost destroyed the whole block and smashed the windows of buildings nearby.

Firefighters at the scene of an explosion at a bakery on the corner of the streets Saint-Cecile and Rue de Trevise in central Paris, January 12, 2019. / VCG Photo

There are no immediate reports about casualties of Chinese citizens so far, the Chinese embassy in France told media.

The explosion was caused by a gas leak but is not connected with the "Yellow Vest" protests, police say.

Authorities urge the public to avoid the area and make way for rescue vehicles.

Screenshot of local police's Twitter message @prefpolice

Firefighters extinguished the blaze that broke out after the explosion.

The bakery was due to close at the time of the incident, a local newspaper said.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe arrives after an explosion at a bakery on the corner of the streets Saint-Cecile and Rue de Trevise in central Paris, January 12, 2019. /VCG Photo

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, along with the mayor and other officials, later inspected the site.

Search and rescue missions are currently underway.

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