According to reports, the accidental blast occurred on Friday 8 November shortly after 6pm when pyrotechnics under the musical's stage exploded, possibly due to a faulty power tool.
"An initial investigation determined that the explosion had been caused by the disc of a circular saw breaking away and igniting fireworks to be used in the show," reports the BBC.
A second explosion then caused a wall of the Palais des Sports arena to collapse. Technical director Marcus Toledano, one of many who rushed to the scene of the incident, is believed to have suffered a heart attack as a result of the explosions. When rescue workers arrived at the scene Toledano's heart had stopped and he sadly later died in hospital.
The injured are believed to be mostly technicians who were in the process of setting up for an evening showing of the musical. Amongst the 15 crew and cast members also injured, five were badly hurt and rushed to hospital. Several others received treatment, though some only to have their hearing checked after being exposed to the loud blast.
Flowers and messages of condolences have been left at the entrance to the arena following the tragic accident. Producer Albert Cohen said it was terrible news. "All our efforts are going towards helping [Toledano's] family... in what is a difficult moment, as you can imagine."
(Claire Beeson)
