Gas explosion hits Paris - with city already on high alert
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The explosion took place not far from the Montparnasse area on the left bank of the River Seine in the sixth arrondissement.
Some Twitter users speculated whether a gas leak had caused the explosion. The cause of the blast is not yet known.
Several streets were evacuated after a huge gas blast in the centre of Paris.
Smoke was seen rising above an apartment block in the heart of the city shortly after 12.30pm local time today.
Local media reports suggest the explosion was triggered by a severed gas pipe in the 6eme arrondissement of the French capital.
Police confirmed at least five people have been injured and pictures show extensive damage to at least one building.
Emergency services remain on the scene.//Agencies
