Paris bakery gas explosion death toll rises to four

RESCUERS have found a woman’s body under the rubble of a bakery in Paris that was blown apart by a powerful explosion, bringing the overall death toll to four.

The blast on Saturday morning in the Rue de Trevise in north-central Paris also injured dozens of people. Paris Fire Department spokesman Eric Moulin told reporters yesterday that nine people were still in a critical condition and 45 others were also injured, but not as seriously.

He had said earlier that French rescuers were searching for a missing woman living in the building where the bakery was located.

Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said on Saturday the cause of the blast appeared to be accidental.

He said Paris firefighters were already on the scene to investigate a suspected gas leak at the bakery when the explosion happened. Two firefighters were among those killed.

About 30 firefighters were at the site in the aftermath to search for other possible victims, amid a mountain of debris and wrecked vehicles.

The authorities said 12 neighbouring buildings damaged by the explosion have been evacuated.

Temporary accommodation was provided for about 40 residents while dozens of others have been housed by family and friends.