2023 Marseille building collapse

On 8 April 2023, a building collapsed in Marseille, a city in southern France, killing eight people. In the event, two buildings exploded and fell, while a third partially collapsed and caught fire, complicating rescue operations. Although the origin of the explosion is yet uncertain, a gas leak may have played a role. The fallen buildings were not known to have any structural issues, according to the mayor of Marseille.

The incident
An explosion occurred at approximately 1:40 AM local time, leading to the destruction of a four-story building in a Mediterranean port city. The force of the explosion was significant enough to cause nearby buildings to partially crumble. Rescue efforts faced difficulties due to an ongoing fire beneath the debris.

Casualties
After approximately 24 hours following the explosion, two bodies were discovered amidst the wreckage. The next day, three additional bodies were found. Initially, at least six individuals were reported as missing right after the incident. Additionally, five individuals from nearby buildings suffered minor injuries.

Rescue Operations
Rescue personnel, including firefighters and urban search and rescue specialists, dedicated themselves tirelessly throughout the night and into the subsequent day to locate survivors. Nonetheless, their endeavors were made more challenging by a fire smoldering deep within the debris.

Investigation
The reason behind the explosion is currently under investigation, with one potential factor being a gas leak. The commencement of the inquiry was hindered by the intense heat generated by the fire.

Reactions
The French president Emmanuel Macron responded to the incident by sharing his views, and support centers were provided for individuals who were harmed.

Aftermath
As a reaction to the incident, roughly 200 individuals were evacuated from buildings in close proximity to the explosion site. The city's mayor, Benoit Payan, conveyed deep sadness and sympathy regarding the event, and he reassured the public that all municipal services were fully dedicated to ongoing search and rescue operations.