Death toll rises to 4 in Paris bakery blast

PARIS - A woman who was reported missing was found lifeless, a day after a gas explosion blew up a building in the center of Paris, a state radio reported on Sunday.

French rescuers have found the victim's body buried under the rubble earlier on Sunday, France info said, citing a source from Paris prosecutor office.

The death of the 28-year-old woman, who lived in the exploded building, brought the death toll to four. Two firefighters and a Spanish tourist were confirmed dead on Saturday.

A powerful explosion caused by gas leak occurred at around 9:00 am (0800 GMT) on Saturday in a closed bakery on the Rue de Trevise in the 9th district of Paris, one of the French capital's main shopping area.

At least 47 people were wounded, of whom 10 were seriously hurt, according to data released by the Interior Ministry.

The blast blew out the entire ground floor of the building, with storefronts blown out and windows shattered up to the fourth floor.

Shop windows were smashed, and other buildings and parked vehicles nearby were also damaged by the force of the blast.

"The explosion was particularly violent, it spread over 100 meters," Paris fire brigade commander Eric Moulin told reporters.

Paris authorities were mobilized to help the evacuated residents and tourists with temporary accommodations.

An investigation has been under way, according to the Regional Directorate of Judicial Police.