Explosion Ignites Giant Fire in Paris; Several Injured

An explosion happened at the Paris American Academy building Wednesday afternoon, sending firefighters to battle the ensuing blaze at the city's center.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told reporters there were at least 16 people injured, including seven in critical condition. He added the fire was currently under control but not yet extinguished. At least two people were also reported missing.

The fire caused large plumes of smoke that can be seen throughout Paris, causing residents of nearby buildings to evacuate as part of the affected building collapsed, police said.

Local media reported the cause of the explosion remains unknown at this time, but local authorities of Paris's 5th arrondissement said the incident was caused by a "gas explosion."

The office of French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, currently in Nancy, told the media he would cut short his visit there and return to Paris shortly.

Arts and Fashion School Burns During Paris Fashion Week

Parisian authorities stated the building where the explosion happened was the Paris American Academy, a private school founded in 1965 which offers programs in fashion and interior design, fine arts, and creative writing.

Paris 5 deputy mayor édourd Civel advised Parisians on Twitter to "stay away" from the blast scene to allow firefighters to put out the blaze.

Local media stated the portion of the building that collapsed was the school's facade, with debris littering Rue Saint-Jacques at the city's Latin Quarter. The building neighbors the Val-de-Grâce military hospital.

Paris police spokesperson Loubna Atta initially said it was too early to determine the source of the fire and could not confirm reports it was caused by a gas explosion.

Meanwhile, a prosecutor said a probe had been opened into aggravated involuntary injury as investigators examine whether the explosion stemmed from a suspected violation of safety rules.

According to Newsweek, the explosion happened in the middle of Paris Fashion Week. It was reported several popular celebrities and models were in the city to showcase the latest trends and outfits.

There were confirmed sightings of musicians Pharrell and Jay-Z, who performed in one of the fashion event's afterparties, while NBA star Lebron James and his wife Savannah were also spotted in the city.

It is unclear if any of the injured were Fashion Week attendees.

As of this report, armed police and soldiers have cordoned off the blast scene as investigations continue.

This is a developing story. Please check back on HNGN later for more updates.

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Paris, Paris fashion week, France