Firefighters transfer injured people out of the blast site. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

An emergency investigation is being conducted into the cause of the incident. A gas leak had been reported in the building before the blaze and firefighters had been on their way to deal with it when the explosion occurred.

The Vietnamese Embassy in France said none of the victims holds Vietnamese nationality. The Embassy is closely watching the incident and working with related French agencies to get updated information and promptly carry out citizen protection measures if necessary.

Vietnamese in France who need support or have information about any affected fellow countrymen are advised to contact the Embassy via phone (+33-01-44146400) or email (urgent@ambasaade-vietnam.fr) or call the citizen protection hotline (+84-981848484).