Deaths feared after massive explosion in France

An unspecified number of people are feared dead after a massive explosion at a petrochemical plant outside the southern French city of Toulouse this morning.

France Info Radio said deaths are "likely" after the blast at a plant which manufactures rocket fuel for Arianespace, the European Space Agency’s commercial wing.

The explosion knocked out telephone communications to the Toulouse area and the city’s underground subway system was evacuated.

Thousands of people also fled into the streets after hundreds of windows shattered in buildings throughout the city.

Police have now sealed off the area amid fears that plumes of smoke drifting over Toulouse could be toxic.