Over 140 killed as Paris rocked by coordinated shootings, explosions

A series of apparently coordinated attacks have rocked central Paris, resulting in at least 140 deaths. Aside from several separate shootings, police also confirmed explosions near a Paris stadium, and a now resolved hostage situation.

At least six separate violent incidents have taken place in Paris on Friday night, including several shootings and explosions. The French station BFM TV claim the death toll could be in excess of 60 people.

Gunfire near a restaurant in the vicinity of Paris’ Place de la Republique has killed at least 11 and injured at least seven people, according to BFM TV and police sources. People in the vicinity reported seeing several bodies lying on the ground.

The attack happened at the restaurant's terrace, according to France 24 reporter at the site of the first shooting. Dozens of shots were fired, according to witnesses who described the scene as a “nightmare”, the Liberation newspaper reports.

A second shooting took place several minutes later near Bataclan, a theatre at the 50 Boulevard Voltaire in the 11th department of Paris. At least 15 people are believed to be dead in this attack.

Dozens of people were taken hostage at the concert hall, with the terrorists shooting indiscriminately, local media reported.

Paris police eventually stormed the building, killing at least three terrorists. However, according to reports, the death toll from the hostage situation might be as high as 100 people.

In what appears to be a separate incident, two or three explosions were reported near the Stade de France stadium in St. Denis. Police have cordoned off the area and have evacuated the stadium, according to the publication. 

At least 3 people were killed by the blasts, two of which police have confirmed were suicide bombings.

The stadium was hosting a football friendly match between France and Germany, which was attended by the French President Francois Hollande. The President was rushed out of the stadium and is personally dealing with the unfolding emergency situation, officials told France 24.

Amid the “unprecedented terrorist attacks” that have resulted in dozens of deaths, French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of emergency and announced that France will close its borders.

https://www.rt.com/news/321875-paris-france-shooting-victims/