Initial reports indicate the explosion in Rouen, Normandy, was accidental, according to the Rouen Police Department.
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A fire at a bar in the northern French city of Rouen killed at least 13 people and injured six others Friday evening, fire officials told local media.
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said more than 50 firefighters are battling the deadly blaze.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
France is under heightened security after several terrorist attacks in recent weeks, including the murder of a priest in a small town near Rouen.
Authorites reportedly expect the death toll to rise.
Firefighters, called to the bar in the Normandy region at 12.50am on Saturday, managed to rescue six of those inside.
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The bodies of the victims were transported to the University Hospital of Rouen, where a psychological team gathered to help families deal with the crisis.
