Explosions were heard in the French capital city of Paris before a van caught on fire near the French prime minister’s office, just one day after his resignation.
Witnesses reported hearing nearly three mega explosions near the Hotel Matigon, where Sebastian Lecornu was said to be holding meetings after his resignation.
Pictures from the scene showed the giant van in flames as emergency services sought to contain the blaze. Local media have reported that the fire was contained to the van and has not spread to any surrounding buildings.
It’s not clear right now what led to these explosions or fire. A firefighter explained to reporters that this blaze was caused by a huge mechanical fault inside the company’s equipment.
Pictures shared through social media appeared to show the van belonging to a public lighting firm. The road, Rue de Varenne, was cordoned off after this blast, with officers stationed to prevent any unlawful entry in the area.
Lecornu’s resignation came just one day after naming his ministers and after only 27 days in the role. The former defense minister was set to deliver his general policy statement to the National Assembly on Tuesday. His resignation makes it the shortest-lived government of the Fifth Republic. He’s the fifth prime minister to resign from this role in just two years.