Dozens of firefighters face a fire still active at the site. (Photo: PL)

Paris, Jun 21 (RHC) France's Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said Wednesday that 37 people were injured in the explosion that shook an area of the fifth arrondissement of Paris this afternoon, four of them with severe injuries.

In statements to the press, the official said that dozens of firefighters are facing a fire that is still active on the site.

He also said that throughout the night specialized forces and dogs will be working in the rubble to search for people who may be trapped.

According to several sources, two people were reported missing after the explosion at around 17:00 local time, which caused the collapse of the facade of the Paris American Academy, on Saint-Jacques Street.

Darmanin said that investigations are underway. The Prosecutor's Office of the French capital initiated an investigative process for "unintentional injuries causing more than three months of inability to work for violation of an obligation of prudence or safety".

The Minister of the Interior expressed the solidarity of President Emmanuel Macron and the Government with the victims.

Earlier, the head of state expressed regret for what happened and assured that thoughts are with the affected people and the rescue forces. (Source: PL)