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Reims building collapse after blast 'kills two' Reims blast and building collapse in France kills three
(35 minutes later)
At least two people have died after an explosion partly destroyed a block of flats in the northern French city of Reims, officials say. 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.
Emergency services say at least 10 people have been injured, including a number of children. 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.
A firefighter said there were "many victims" but could not give any more information.
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.
She said the bodies of the two victims remained under the rubble. 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.
The building is reported to date from the 1960s or 70s and about a dozen flats are affected. Ten flats were thought to be affected.
The building was renovated several years ago. 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.