Explosion and fire kills seven people in south-western France
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At least seven people including two children have died in a fire caused by a huge explosion in the seaside town of St Laurent-de-la-Salanque on Monday.
Several buildings on both sides of the streets caught fire after an explosion occurred at 13.30 CET on Monday. Firefighters were searching for additional victims in two small blocks of flats.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
France's Minister of Interior Gérald Darmanin, visited the scene of the accident on Monday afternoon, said the death toll of seven was only a first count as emergency services continued to search for survivors.
"Prosecutors currently don't have any crucial information to determine whether this was accidental or criminal," he said.