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Reims blast and building collapse in France kills three | |
(35 minutes later) | |
At least three people have died after an explosion partly destroyed a block of flats in the northern French city of Reims, officials say. | |
Mayor Adeline Hazan told BFM TV that the explosion at the four-storey building was probably caused by a gas leak. | Mayor Adeline Hazan told BFM TV that the explosion at the four-storey building was probably caused by a gas leak. |
Police said another 14 people were injured, including a number of children. | |
Images show one end of the building has collapsed. | Images show one end of the building has collapsed. |
Ms Hazan told BFM TV the blast - which happened at 11:15 (09:15 GMT) - had been "very strong" and had shattered windows in other buildings. | Ms Hazan told BFM TV the blast - which happened at 11:15 (09:15 GMT) - had been "very strong" and had shattered windows in other buildings. |
Two bodies were brought out of the rubble during the morning. A third was found later by search teams. By Sunday evening, two residents were still thought to be missing. | |
Ten flats were thought to be affected. | |
The building, in the Wilson area of Reims, is described as social housing dating back to the 1960s. | |
It was renovated several years ago but residents said that while the front had been re-painted, no change had been made to the interior structure. | |
A gas explosion in a flat in nearby Witry-les-Reims in early April left four people from the same family dead. | A gas explosion in a flat in nearby Witry-les-Reims in early April left four people from the same family dead. |
Housing Minister Cecile Duflot has promised a full inquiry. | |
"It appears the building was well maintained. All the necessary checks were carried out on the appliances," she said. | |
In a statement, President Francois Hollande sent his condolences to the victims' families and his solidarity to the city of Reims. |