Many hurt as huge blast rocks French university

MULHOUSE, France, Mar 24 (Reuters) A huge explosion destroyed a research building at a French university in the eastern city of Mulhouse today, injuring a large number of people, the emergency services said.

Rescue workers faced thick smoke when they arrived at the institute of chemistry on the university campus, a Reuters witness said.

The reason for the blast, which was heard across much of the city, was not immediately known.

''There are a large number of victims,'' one rescuer told Reuters.

No further details of casualties were available but one student in a nearby building, who gave her name only as Aude, said there ''was a huge explosion and all the windows were shattered'' Reuters AD BD1820