WATCH: Gas explosion erupts inside block of flats as firefighters struggle to tackle blaze
THIS is the moment a huge explosion erupted inside a French residential apartment block on Wednesday as firefighters struggled to keep a blaze under control.
French apartment block explodes as firefighters tackle blaze
Emergency services battled a fire on the balcony of the building before a gas canister erupted into a huge fireball – much to the shock of those watching.
The terrifying moment was caught on camera by a local resident who filmed the incident from a neighbouring property.
Although the blast looks dramatic, miraculously nobody was injured in the event, according to local news reports.
The explosion was caught on camera by a local bystander
In the footage, flames and black smoke can be seen gushing from the second floor of the block in north Toulouse.
Passersby watch as around 15 firefighters try to keep the relative small inferno in check.
But the video shows things soon take a turn for worse when a huge explosion unexpectedly blows up.
The explosion followed a fire on the second floor of the apartment block
The gas canister unexpectedly explodes
Terrified bystanders and the emergency services duck for cover as the almighty fireball spreads over the residential street.
A man can be seen grabbing a child’s hand as they desperately rush to get away from the carnage.
The local fire department said the shocking scenes had been caused by a bottle of gas that had been left on the balcony.
Onlookers ducked for cover as events unfolded
Firefighters say despite the appearance of the blast, the occupants of the accommodations are “fortunately safe”.
They say the damage to the building was “limited” - with everybody, including the firefighters inside, managing to get out unscathed.
An investigation is now under way to determine the cause of the blaze.