4 dead, several injured in massive explosion at central Paris

A massive explosion ripped apart a bakery in central Paris on Saturday morning, killing at least four people and injuring several others. The intensity of the blast was so strong that windows of several nearby buildings got smashed and parked cars were also damaged. According to police, the blast - that occurred on the Rue de Trevise - was caused by a gas leak.      

AFP: A large explosion badly damages a bakery in central Paris, injuring several people and smashing windows in surrounding buildings https://t.co/3v9iUGKHHg

— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2019

"Ongoing, Paris firefighters are tackling a fire at a business establishment in Rue Trévise in the 9th arrondissement of north-central Paris that was followed by a strong explosion," the police said in a statement. 

"Avoid the area and allow the passage to emergency vehicles," it added. 

Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze and evacuate some people from the building using ladders while emergency workers treated some of the injured at the scene.