Paris explosion sparks a violent fire

PARIS: Dozens of firefighters were desperately trying to extinguish the flames  as a huge fire ball explosion ripped through burning tower block in Paris on Saturday night.

Residents have fled flats in Boulevard Macdonald near the Gare du Nord Eurostar hub in Paris  in fear, while  authorities stressed there were no serious injuries.

Sirens and smoke filled the air in terrifying videos posted on social media showing firefighters attempting to use ladders to rescue residents inside the building.

Local media reported that the fire had spread between the second and fifth floors.

It is not yet known if anyone was injured in the blaze or the explosion — some residents were able to evacuate before the fire roared out of control.