PARIS – A fire broke out on the roof of a six-story building under construction in the 13th arrondissement near Porte d’Ivry on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in explosions and significant disruption in the area.
The blaze started around 4:45 p.m. local time (14:45 GMT), with two gas cylinders exploding in the process, as reported by local media including Le Parisien.
Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, and all residents of the building were evacuated as a precaution.
The fire was eventually brought under control by 7:00 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT), according to Jerome Coumet, the mayor of the 13th arrondissement.
The fire caused injuries to one worker on site and a firefighter who sustained moderate injuries while battling the flames.
The presence of three additional gas cylinders on the roof has raised concerns about the risk of further explosions. Authorities have established a security perimeter around the building to prevent any potential harm.
The incident has also led to significant disruptions in local transportation. The T3a tram line, which connects Porte de Charenton to Porte d’Italie, experienced interruptions, and the Porte d’Ivry metro station was closed.
These disruptions have affected the daily commutes of many residents and workers in the area.
Nearby, a school was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Students were temporarily housed in a gymnasium to ensure their safety, as confirmed by BFMTV.
Images circulating on social media showed dramatic scenes of the fire, with large plumes of black smoke billowing from the roof. Firefighters explained that the black smoke was due to the tar used in the construction process.
The police laboratory has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire. The inquiry will determine whether the blaze was the result of an accident or if foul play was involved.
Local residents are currently unable to return to their homes as authorities continue their work to ensure the area is safe. The ongoing presence of gas cylinders and the potential for further explosions have kept emergency services on high alert.
The fire’s impact on local transportation and community safety highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols in construction sites, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials like gas cylinders.
The investigation into the fire’s cause will be closely monitored, with results expected to provide further insights into the incident.
As the situation develops, local officials are working to restore normalcy to the affected areas, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
