3 KILLED AFTER MASSIVE BLAST RIPS THROUGH PARIS BAKERY

Paris, France - Three people were killed in the aftermath of a powerful explosion and fire that destroyed a bakery in central Paris on Saturday morning. Over 40 people were injured and dozens of nearby windows blown out by the explosion, which is suspected to have been caused by a gas leak. Around 200 firefighters were mobilised to battle the fire that broke out after the blast and rescue residents in neighbouring buildings, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner told reporters.

Police closed off streets in front of Opera theatre as emergency services landed two helicopters in the street, apparently to evacuate victims. The blast occurred shortly after 9am.