A powerful explosion in central Paris has left 24 people injured, four of whom are in serious condition. The blast occurred in a building that housed both a design school and the headquarters of the Catholic education system on Rue Saint-Jacques in the city’s fifth arrondissement.

Rescue teams are currently sifting through the wreckage of the building, as it is suspected that at least two individuals may be missing. Witnesses reported detecting a strong odor of gas prior to the explosion, raising concerns about a possible gas leak.

Upon arriving at the scene, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau indicated that preliminary analysis of surveillance footage suggested that the blast originated within the building, which stood adjacent to the Val de Grâce church, according to Le Parisien newspaper. However, authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Although the building initially became engulfed in flames, the fire has since been brought under control, as confirmed by Paris police chief Laurent Nunez. The area has been cordoned off, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is present at the scene. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has urged people to steer clear of the affected area as a safety precaution.

Situated south of the Latin Quarter, the region where the explosion occurred is part of Paris’s Left Bank and draws tourists and students alike due to its vibrant atmosphere and notable educational institutions.