Huge Explosion Levels Paris American Academy During Fashion Week

A huge explosion in Paris on Wednesday appeared to destroy the Paris American Academy during the city’s Fashion Week, according to footage posted on social media.

“Intervention underway rue Saint-Jacques in #Paris5. Avoid the area and let the emergency services and police intervene,” the Paris Prefectural Police said in a tweet.

Édourd Civl, an elected official at Paris 5, said on Twitter that the incident was a “gas explosion” that occurred at Place Alfonse Laveran in the Val de Grace district. “Building is on fire, stay away to allow firefighters to intervene,” he tweeted.

The explosion shattered the facade of the Paris American Academy, BFM TV, a France-based news channel, reported. At least 16 people were injured in the explosion, but it is currently unclear what caused it. Seven people are considered to be in “absolute emergency,” according to the BFM.

Dozens of popular celebrities and models travel to the French capital during Paris Fashion Week to showcase various trends and outfits. Singers Pharrell and Jay-Z performed at one of the afterparties while Los Angeles Lakers star Lebron James was spotted out on the town with his wife, Savannah. It’s unclear whether anyone injured was a Fashion Week attendee.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin also confirmed the explosion and fire on Twitter, saying: “Fire is going on on rue Saint-Jacques, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. Paris firefighters are involved. Please do not interfere with their intervention and avoid the area. That. “

news week reached out to the Paris Police Prefecture through its website for comment.

French politician Renaud Muselier also posted a video of the explosion on Twitter and write“For us Marseillais women and men of #RegionSud, the emotion was overwhelming at the sight of this image of Rue Saint-Jacques in #Paris.”

Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said initial investigations into the explosion “lead us to establish that this explosion started in the building,” BFM reported.

“All investigations will be completed, technical investigations, hearings, exploitation of CCTV cameras,” Beccuau said. Authorities are actively searching the area where the explosion occurred. An official with the Paris Police Prefecture said authorities were looking under the “ruins” of the explosion.

Valérie Pécresse, president of the regional council in France, wrote on Twitter: “Total support for the residents of Place Alfonse Laveran who were hit by the devastating explosion which left four residents in an absolute state of emergency. Thanks to the rescue forces who were deployed to find possible victims in the rubble and secure the perimeter .”

Update 6/21/23, 2:10 PM ET: This article has been updated with additional information.