At least seven people are in critical condition after a suspected gas explosion in Paris.

Footage shows firefighters tackling flames rising from a building on the Left Bank of the French capital.

Interior minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that the incident happened on Rue Saint-Jacques in the fifth arrondissement, close to the Jardin Du Luxembourg and Sorbonne University.

Smoke can be seen soaring over the domed Pantheon, prompting the evacuation of buildings in the neighbourhood.

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Local media reported that alongside those in critical condition, nine more people were injured.

Florence Berthout, mayor of the fifth arrondissement, said four were in ‘absolute emergency’ condition.

‘The explosion was extremely violent,’ she said, adding that shards of glass are still falling from buildings.

A police official said the façade of one building had crumbled onto the street as a result of the blast.

Emergency workers can still be seen at the scene, trying to determine if there are people trapped inside.

Meanwhile, members of the public have been urged to avoid the area, which has been cordoned off.

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