A powerful explosion shattered a street in the bustling Latin Quarter of central Paris on Wednesday. The blast caused significant damage, leading to the collapse of a design school’s facade, shattered windows, and the outbreak of a massive fire. Authorities reported that at least 16 people were injured, with seven in critical condition.
While it is too early to determine the exact cause of the blast, the local deputy mayor, Edouard Civel, mentioned a possible gas explosion in a Twitter post. Witnesses also recounted detecting a strong smell of gas moments before the explosion, further supporting this theory. Television footage depicted debris from the Paris American Academy scattered along Rue Saint-Jacques, with smoke billowing from nearby buildings that were engulfed in flames.
The incident occurred around 4:55 pm local time, precisely when many workers were heading home. Over 200 firefighters swiftly responded to the emergency, battling the blaze with hoses and jets of water as thick black smoke filled the sky. Paris police chief Laurent Nunez later confirmed that the fire had been brought under control.
Rue Saint-Jacques, located in the 5th arrondissement of central Paris, serves as a vital route connecting the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, Sorbonne University, and the Val de Grace military hospital. The area, just a few blocks away from the popular Jardin du Luxembourg, typically attracts numerous tourists and foreign students during the early summer months.
