France’s interior minister says that four people have been killed, including two firefighters, and 47 have been injured in the blast at a bakery that was apparently caused by a gas leak in central Paris. 

Christophe Castaner told reporters at the scene “unfortunately the human toll is particularly serious.”

He said 10 people are in critical condition and 37 others less seriously injured. 

He paid homage to the courage of rescuers who saved the life of one firefighter who was buried under the rubble for two and a half hours. 

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who was also at the scene, extended a “message of affection and solidarity” to the victims. 

Paris police said several people were injured in an explosion and fire at a bakery believed caused by a gas leak on Saturday.

Firefighters were on the scene of the blast at the bakery on Rue Trevise in the 9th arrondissement of north-central Paris.

A police spokeswoman said several injuries have been reported to police but no deaths.

The spokeswoman, who was not authorized to be publicly named, provided no further details.

Emergency vehicles were seen surrounding the area, along with a blue vehicle believed to be from gas company GRDF.

The explosion came amid heavy security in Paris and around France for yellow vest protests expected later Saturday.