Blaze Burns in Central Paris Amid Protests Over Congolese Musician

4 年前

A fire and “unacceptable abuses” broke out in Paris, France, as activists protested controversial Congolese singer Fally Ipupa’s performance on Friday, February 28, local media reported, citing police.

Police were evacuating the Gare de Lyon railway station after disturbances and fires were reported in the area.

Local media reported that police closed the Bercy metro station in light of Ipupa’s concert at the nearby AccordHotels Arena on Friday. Police said they feared “disturbances of public order.”

Congolese activists have been known to protest the artist, claiming he is close to the country’s government, according to reports. Another Ipupa concert in Paris was also canceled in 2017 due to risk of disturbances and protests.

Police later said firefighters had contained the blaze but rescues were still in progress. It’s unclear how the fire started.

This video, filmed by Mike Ruiz, shows black smoke filling the sky as several fires dot the ground and emergency sirens sound in the background. Credit: Mike Ruiz via Storyful