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Paris’ Left Bank Explosion: A Close Shave with Death

Image credits: The Associated Press

Paris, the city of love, is now in a state of shock. On Wednesday, a massive explosion rocked the Left Bank of the French capital, injuring at least 16 people. The blast was so strong that it ignited a fire and caused the facade of a building in the 5th arrondissement to collapse. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, but the police are investigating the incident. It was a close shave with death for the people who were present in the area at the time of the explosion.

Image credits: BBC

The explosion hit near the historic Val de Grace military hospital, which is considered to be a national monument. The blast was so intense that it sent smoke soaring over the city’s monuments and prompted the evacuation of surrounding buildings. The authorities are working to determine if anyone is still inside the building, and emergency services are on high alert.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez told reporters that there were 16 people injured, including seven in “emergency condition.” The authorities did not specify whether the injured were in life-threatening condition. The fire was contained but not extinguished, Nunez said. The neighborhood was cordoned off, and scores of emergency workers, police, and soldiers filled the area.

The explosion was extremely violent, according to Florence Berthout, the mayor of the arrondissement. She described pieces of glass still falling from buildings, a sight that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The police official described several injuries, some of them critical, but did not provide an exact figure as emergency workers continued their search.

The smell of smoke lingered in the air while the gray plume visibly lessened as firefighters battled the blaze. Paris police spokeswoman Loubna Atta said it was too early to determine the source of the fire and could not confirm reports it was caused by a gas explosion.

The incident has left the city of Paris on edge. People are in a state of shock and disbelief, wondering what caused the explosion. It was a close shave with death, and the people who were present in the area at the time of the explosion are counting their lucky stars.

In conclusion, Paris is a city that has seen many tragedies over the years. From terrorist attacks to natural disasters, the city has weathered many storms. The explosion that rocked the Left Bank on Wednesday was yet another reminder of the fragility of life. It was a close shave with death, and the people of Paris are now praying for the injured and hoping that the authorities will determine the cause of the explosion soon.

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