France: Three killed in explosion followed by fire in eight-story building

According to Le Parisien, a French daily newspaper, an explosion followed by a fire in an eight-story building in Paris claimed the lives of three individuals on Sunday evening. The exact cause of the blast remains unknown at present.

Situated in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, the building experienced an explosion, the source of which has yet to be determined, followed by a fire on the 7th floor along Rue de Charonne.

Luc Lebon, deputy mayor of the 11th arrondissement, stated to Le Parisien, “The neighbors do not understand what could have triggered this explosion, because there is no gas in the building.” Despite residents’ assertions, authorities have not discounted the possibility of a gas-related incident.

An investigation has been initiated into the event for “destruction by fire or dangerous means” and “involuntary homicide.” Detectives from the capital’s 2nd judicial police district have been tasked with determining the cause of the explosion, according to the public prosecutor, as reported by Le Parisien.

In the aftermath of the explosion, occupants of neighboring buildings were evacuated but later allowed to return home.

Further details are pending.

This marks the third occurrence of an explosion causing fatalities in the city within a few years. On January 12, 2019, an explosion on Rue de Trevise resulted in four deaths. Additionally, on June 21, 2023, an explosion at 277 rue Saint-Jacques claimed three lives.