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Explosion rips through bakery causing multiple casualties due to gas leak in Paris

Firemen work at the site of an explosion in a bakery shop in the 9th District in Paris, France, January 12, 2019 REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Firemen work at the site of an explosion in a bakery shop in the 9th District in Paris, France, January 12, 2019 REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

A powerful explosion and fire at a Paris bakery has injured several people, blasted out windows and overturned cars, police said.

Firefighters pulled injured victims out of windows and evacuated residents as smoke billowed out of the building on Rue de Trevise in the 9th arrondissement of north-central Paris following a reported gas leak.

Witnesses described on French television the overwhelming sound of the blast and people trapped inside nearby buildings.

A Paris police spokeswoman said several injuries have been reported to police, but no deaths.

Firemen work at the site of an explosion in a bakery shop in the 9th District in Paris, France, January 12, 2019 REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Firemen work at the site of an explosion in a bakery shop in the 9th District in Paris, France, January 12, 2019 REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

Silver-helmeted firefighters and red fire engines filled the street and inspected adjoining courtyards.

Debris from a burned car and broken glass littered the pavement. A vehicle from gas company GRDF was stationed nearby.

The building is around the corner from the Folies-Bergere theatre and not far from the shopping district that includes the famed headquarters of Galeries Lafayette.

The explosion came amid heavy security in Paris and around France for yellow vest protests expected later on Saturday.