Explosion in France on January 17 2019 07:13 PM (UTC).

A French University has been rocked by a huge explosion as emergency services evacuate terrified students and battle the resulting inferno. The roof of the university science library in Lyon was rocked by a powerful explosion just after 9 am local time (8 am GMT). It came after the building caught on fire, according to witnesses. Authorities say the explosion was of "accidental origin". The fire is thought to have started on the roof, which is currently undergoing building work, before spreading to gas cylinders stored there. Several explosions were heard and captured on camera. At least three have been hurt, according to the university. The building was evacuated and people are being urged to avoid the area. But the university has said the fire is now "under control".

The University tweeted: "Ongoing fire on the Mendel building (LyonTech-La Doua campus). Safety instructions: stay away at least 100m from the building. "Fire Department-Firefighters and police are on site, thank you for keeping the perimeter safe and letting them do their job. "Fire underway on the roof terrace of the Mendel building due to the rehabilitation work. Buildings + BU evacuated. "Security perimeter installed. The explosions heard came from the works. No chemical safety problems." The LyonTech-la Doua Campus has 22,000 students. A spokesman for the local prefecture said: "The explosions happened inside the Science Library shortly after 9 am.

"Sealing work was in progress on the roof the building, and this is how the fire started. An evacuation is underway." Speaking just after 10 am local time, the spokesman added: "At the moment we are only aware of one person who is slightly injured."

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