CNN reported on Sunday that two corpses were located by rescue personnel amid the wreckage of the buildings that fell as a consequence of a massive gas explosion in Marseille, the port city of France. The explosion was caused by a buildup of gas in the structures.
The French officials had previously said that the explosion in Marseille might have likely trapped at least eight individuals inside the building. However, it is not apparent if the authorities have included the two corpses that were recovered in their tally or not at this time.
According to Mayor Benoit Payan, the building was rocked by a powerful explosion around 12:30 local time, following which the authorities and rescue personnel started their efforts to determine the source of the incident.
According to a report by BFM, the French Housing Authority said that 179 individuals had been removed from the location.
During his visit to the site of the building collapse, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin informed BFM that the rescue crews are having difficulty performing their operation owing to the fire that is raging in the rubble. He said that “around 30 surrounding buildings have been evacuated.”
In addition, Darmanin stated that “Rescuers are also concerned about firefighting water endangering the lives of any buried survivors.”
Residents in the neighborhood reported hearing a loud explosion, which was followed by visible dust in the air.
“It was exhausting and completely insane. I saw an avalanche of people panicking in the street and then I started running like crazy,” a witness told BFM.
Dominique Laurens, the prosecutor for Marseille, said at a press conference on Sunday that it is difficult to determine what caused the explosion at this time. She also stated that “the situation has not yet been stabilized.”
“A gas explosion was one lead being examined but it was something we can’t confirm at this stage of the investigation”, she noted.
While expressing his sorrow over the tragic event, the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, stated, “I am thinking of those affected and their loved ones. An investigation is continuing with significant resources deployed. Thank you to the firefighters and rescuers mobilised.” The Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis has announced, as reported by BFMTV, that regional authorities have contributed €100,000 ($110,000) to a fund that will assist those who were injured in the explosion. The money will be used to offer assistance to victims of the disaster.
