Death Toll Rises to 4 in Paris Bakery Blast, 9 Others Critical

The blast was apparently caused by a gas leak at the bakery in north-central Paris on Saturday.

(Photo: AP)

The Paris Fire Department said rescuers have found a woman's body under the rubble of a bakery in Paris that was blown apart by a powerful explosion, bringing the overall death toll to four.

The blast on the morning of Saturday, 12 January, in the Rue de Trevise in north-central Paris also injured dozens of people. Paris Fire Department spokesperson Eric Moulin told reporters on Sunday that nine people were still in critical condition from the explosion that devastated a Paris street, and 45 others were also injured but not as seriously.

He had said earlier that French rescuers were searching for a missing woman living in the building where the bakery was located.

Firefighters work at the scene of the explosion in Paris.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said on Saturday that the cause of the blast appeared to be accidental. He said Paris firefighters were already at the scene to investigate a suspected gas leak at the bakery when the explosion happened. Two firefighters were among those killed.

About 30 firefighters were at the site on Sunday to search for other potential victims, amid a mountain of debris and wrecked cars.

Paris authorities said 12 neighbouring buildings that were damaged by the blast apparently due to a gas leak have been evacuated. Temporary accommodations were provided for about 40 residents while dozens of others have been housed by family and friends.

The city hall of Paris 9th arrondissement was offering meals and collecting clothes on Sunday to help the evacuated people.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said on Saturday that the cause of the blast appeared to be accidental.