Smoke billowed over Paris on Wednesday, as at least seven people were left in critical condition after a building caught on fire and partially collapsed, officials said as firefighters battle the inferno.
The facade of the building, which housed the Paris American Academy, has collapsed, according to French outlet BMF TV.
Seven people were severely injured while nine others were in a state of "relative urgency," the outlet also reported, as translated.
Officials have advised people to avoid the area.
The fire was caused by a gas explosion, officials and witnesses said, according to Reuters, but other outlets, such as France 24, say the fire's origin is unknown.
Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.