Two missing persons are suspected to be buried in debris following the Paris explosion, which occurred at a US fashion school.

Gas leak appears to have caused the explosion.

     Several people were hurt in a massive explosion that occurred in a building in the heart of Paris, leaving two people missing and four in severe condition.

37 persons were hurt when an explosion occurred yesterday at the Paris American Academy on Rue Saint-Jacques about 4:55 p.m. local time.

According to police, the explosion caused a fire that caused smoke to fly above the landmarks in the French capital and forced the evacuation of neighboring buildings.

However, Paris police spokesman Loubna Atta said it was too early to establish the origin of the fire and could not corroborate claims that it was brought on by a gas explosion. Authorities are investigating whether there was a gas leak that led to the explosion.

The neighboring neighborhood was covered in massive plumes of black smoke, but the fire was quickly put out.

Florence Berthout, mayor of the city's fifth arrondissement, described the explosion as being "extremely violent."

The 5th arrondissement building's front fell, and authorities said that rescuers were looking for two persons who may be trapped inside.