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Large explosion rocks building at France’s University of Lyon, 3 injured

Click to play video: 'Moment of blast on rooftop of Lyon University'
Moment of blast on rooftop of Lyon University
WATCH: The moment a blast erupts on the rooftop of a Lyon University building – Jan 17, 2019

A strong explosion and fire hit a science building undergoing repairs at the University of Lyon on Thursday, injuring three people slightly, French officials said.

The area was evacuated after the explosion on the roof of the building Thursday morning, and the regional fire service said the blaze was under control soon afterward.

Images posted on social networks showed huge plumes of black smoke and flickering flames rising above the campus in the Lyon suburb of Villeurbanne. The university said multiple explosions were heard and that they were “caused by renovation work.” The town of Villeurbanne tweeted that the blast was “accidental,” without elaborating.

Both the town and university insisted there were no risks of chemical leaks.

The explosion hit days after a blast apparently caused by a gas leak hit a Paris bakery, killing four people and injuring dozens.

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WATCH: Explosion likely caused by gas leak at Paris bakery kills 4, injures at least 47

Click to play video: 'Explosion likely caused by gas leak at Paris bakery kills 4, injures at least 47'
Explosion likely caused by gas leak at Paris bakery kills 4, injures at least 47

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