French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner confirmed the number of deaths in the incident. He said 37 others were hurt in the explosion.

Castaner tweeted: "At this hour, two firefighters from the brigade @PompiersParis died. 10 people are in absolute emergency including a firefighter. 37 people are in relative urgency. Immense Sadness. Support for the families of the victims.The Nation bows to their pain."

Police are suspecting that a possible gas leakage might be the cause of the explosion.

Police have asked people to stay away from the area.

Firefighters are currently trying to bring the flames caused due to the explosion under control, reports said.

The incident took place as the city is gearing up new anti-government protests on Saturday. 

Some 80,000 police officers were due to be on duty on Saturday as "yellow vest" demonstrators keep up their pressure protest, even though the Paris explosion is not thought to be connected with the demonstrations, BBC reported.

Image:  Christophe Castaner Twitter page