Gas explosion in Paris has set buildings on fire, say local officials

Police tell people to avoid Val de Grâce area after building’s facade collapses and fire appears to have spread

A gas explosion has occurred in the fifth arrondissement of Paris, resulting in several buildings catching fire, local officials said on Wednesday.

Police told people to avoid the Val de Grâce area after the facade of a building collapsed and the fire appeared to have spread to neighbouring buildings.