One of Paris's wealthiest streets was evacuated yesterday after a fire broke out underneath the Ritz hotel, the Daily Mail and other sources are reporting.
"Dozens of people" were treated for smoke inhalation and at least 15 luxury cars were destroyed in the blaze in a five-story underground parking lot in the Place Vendome. France’s Ministry of Justice was among buildings evacuated, along with jewelry and designer fashion shops.
A security cordon was placed around the square, with all nearby roads shut off. Some 120 fire engines were at the scene, along around 30 ambulances and other emergency services vehicles. As firemen fought the flames, there were fears for hundreds of visitors to the area, including celebrities attending Paris Fashion Week.
Some hotel guests were seen being handed gas masks as they evacuated buildings, while a police officer at the scene said ‘at least 15 cars’ including Mercedes limousines had gone up in smoke.