France: Authorities continuing response to fire and strong explosion in Paris' Fifth Arrondissement during the evening of June 21 /update 1

Event

Authorities are continuing their response to a major fire and subsequent strong explosion in the Fifth Arrondissement of Paris June 21. The incident reportedly took place at about 17:00 at 277 Rue Saint-Jacques, a building housing the Paris American Academy International Arts and Design School, and has left at least 29 people wounded, including four with serious injuries. Two people are still missing in the ruble. An unspecified number of nearby buildings were also damaged.

The exact causes of the fire and explosion have as yet not been confirmed, although authorities are currently treating the incident as an accident. About 230 firefighters are in the area battling flames. A large deployment of emergency responders will likely remain in the area into the early hours of June 22.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities have the blaze under control and give the all-clear. Allow for additional time to reach destinations near the scene. Reconfirm business appointments.