Updated| 2 dead in powerful Paris explosion, 47 injured

At least 2 people have died and 47 were injured after a powerful explosion in a bakery in central Paris wrecked cars and buildings on Saturday morning.

Firefighters are tackling a fire and the police have asked people to avoid the area.

The explosion injured many and caused extensive damage

The blast happened in Rue de Trévisae in the 9th Arrondissement and is believed to have been triggered by a gas leak at a bakery.

The gas leak had been reported in the building and firefighters had been on their way to deal with it when the explosion occurred.

Helicopters landed on the nearby Place de l'Opéra to evacuate the injured, according to news reports.