2 bodies found after Marseille building destroyed in explosion
Two bodies have been found after an explosion destroyed a four-storey apartment building in the La Plaine neighbourhood of Marseille, France. Six people remain unaccounted for, while five from neighbouring buildings sustained minor injuries.
Approximately 200 people were evacuated from their homes, and a local gymnasium and two schools have been opened to accommodate them.
The cause of the explosion is unclear, but investigators are considering the possibility of a gas leak.
Rescue efforts continue, and a crane and lights are being used to aid them.
Mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan warned on Monday that nearby buildings were at risk of collapsing, and authorities are offering psychological support to those affected.
In 2018, two dilapidated buildings collapsed in the working-class district of Noailles, killing eight people, and leading to scrutiny of the city’s housing standards. However, officials have ruled out structural issues as the cause of the latest incident, stating that there was no danger notice on the building and that it was not in a neighbourhood identified as having substandard housing.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his sympathy for those affected by the disaster and thanked emergency workers for their efforts.