Explosion rocks central Paris near residence of PM who resigned – Media
Illustrative photo: an explosion occurred near Prime Minister Lecornu’s residence in Paris (GettyImages)
Explosions were heard in Paris on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 7, followed by a van catching fire. The incident occurred near the office of French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, just a day after his resignation, L’Humanité reports.
According to eyewitnesses, they heard three explosions near the Hôtel Matignon. Media outlets note that Lecornu was scheduled to hold meetings there following his resignation.
Photos from the scene show a van engulfed in flames as emergency services work to extinguish the fire. Reports indicate that the blaze was contained within the van and did not spread to nearby buildings.
The cause of the explosions and fire remains unknown. According to rescuers, the incident occurred due to a mechanical malfunction in the company’s equipment.
Media reports say the van belongs to a company specializing in lighting equipment.
Yesterday, Lecornu submitted his resignation as Prime Minister of France to Emmanuel Macron, which the French president accepted.
On September 8, the National Assembly (the lower house of parliament) of France passed a vote of no confidence in the government led by François Bayrou. The decision was supported by 194 of 364 deputies — all opposition parties to Emmanuel Macron, ranging from the far left to the far right, voted for the government’s dismissal.
