A tornado tore through districts north of Paris on Monday, toppling three construction cranes that killed one person and left four others with critical injuries, authorities said.
The town of Ermont, about 20km (13 miles) north-east of Paris was worst hit by the sudden twister that caused damage across about 10 districts.
Regional prosecutor Guirec Le Bras said a 23-year-old construction worker was killed on a building site and 10 people had been injured with four in critical condition.
The tornado toppled cranes and tore off building roofs, authorities said. Interior minister Laurent Nunez said on the X platform that it had been a storm of “sudden and rare intensity”. He added: “I am following the situation closely and express my support to officials, the rescuers on site, and the affected residents. I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased victim.”
Videos shared on social media showed three cranes falling within seconds of each other.
One crane fell on a clinic, without causing injuries, and another on a residential building. Scores of firefighters, police and medical personnel were at the scene, authorities said.
