Huge plumes of black smoke swelled in the air after an explosion in Paris on Wednesday, 21 June.<br /><br />Local French media reported that the blast, on rue Saint-Jacques in the fifth arrondissement, was caused by gas.<br /><br />According to French broadcaster BFM TV, four people were left in critical condition after the blast.<br /><br />Police spokespeson Loubna Atta said authorities have not confirmed if the fire was caused by a gas explosion.<br /><br />The facade of one building fell into the street as a result of the blast, Reuters reported citing comments from a Paris police official.
