France's interior minister says that four people have been killed, including two firefighters, and 47 have been injuredin 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.

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