CAI’s Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) is monitoring an explosion this afternoon in the 5th arrondissment (District) of Paris.
The explosion which occurred at 4:55 p.m. local time, appears to have been centered at the popular design school, Paris American Academy on Rue Saint-Jacques which is located on the edge of the Latin Quarter. Rue Saint-Jacques is a heavily traveled street which leads from Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Sorbonne University, and a few blocks from Jardin du Luxembourg. This area is typically bustling with tourists and foreign students in the early summer.
Preliminary information appears to show a suspected gas leak may have been the cause, but the investigation is ongoing. Over 70 fire trucks and 250+ firefighters were involved in the emergency response. Rescue crews were able to contain the fire and search and rescue teams were going through the rubble this evening. Nearby buildings in the area have been evacuated due to concerns about their structural integrity following the explosion.
Over the last 48 hours, many well know fashion designers and celebrities have been in Paris for the Louis Vuitton Summer Fashion Show. The U.S. Embassy said it was not aware of any Americans involved in the incident.
CAI’s GSOC has been advising is local clients and visiting international travelers to stay out of this area for the next 24-48 hours until buildings are cleared for return and gas lines in the area have been inspected.
For those employees of those clients utilizing CAI’s GSOC services, please check your text and email services for additional information.
