At least twelve persons were seriously injured when a powerful explosion caused by a gas leak tore through a bakery in central Paris on Saturday, including five who are in critical condition, officials said.

“Twelve people are seriously injured, including three firefighters, and 24 others have more minor injuries,” Commander Eric Moulin of the Paris fire service told journalists at the scene.

“Among the 12, two firefighters and three civilians are in life-threatening condition,” he said.