At least 13 people have died after a fire ravaged and destroyed a bar in Rouen, the capital of the French region of Normandy, a local newspaper reports. Most of the victims were reportedly young people attending a birthday party.

The fire started around midnight at a bar where young people had been gathering to celebrate a private birthday party in the northern city of Rouen, the Paris-Normandie newspaper reports. Firefighters responded to the emergency, and have declared 13 people dead so far.
Fire at French bar
© Twitter/Journal Paris-Normandie
The fire was allegedly caused by an accidental explosion on site, the publication reports.

Authorities expect the death toll to rise, the newspaper added.