Central Paris rocked by explosion, five injured

Various news sources are reporting that a large explosion has rocked central Paris, which is believed to have been caused by a gas leak. The incident took place after noonday in the Montparnasse area.

The area is currently being evacuated, with the AFP reporting that five have been injured in the blast. Firefighters have been deployed at the scene.

The explosion, which happened at 12:30pm today in the city’s 6th arrondissement, understandably brought to mind recent terrorist attacks, but sources are claiming that the explosion is more likely to have been caused by a burst gas pipe.

Early photos on social media showed a damaged roof, and a school canteen being evacuated.

Details of the story are still emerging.