PARIS, France – An explosion at Paris' Palais des Sports arena killed one person and injured 15 more, five of them seriously.
The pyrotechnics blast occurred during a rehearsal of "1789, les amants de la Bastille," a musical about the French Revolution.
A technician was reported to have accidentally ignited the pyrotechnics used for the show.
It is believed that he was using a power tool near the fireworks.
The dead man was technical director Marcus Toledano, 41, who is said to have died of a heart attack when the fireworks were set off.
More from GlobalPost: Canadian appeals extradition over 1980 French bombing
He was rushed to hospital where he later died.
An explosion caused by the pyrotechnics caused a wall to collapse, injuring some of the cast and crew.
The show has been cancelled because of the blast. The fire took 100 firefighters to put out and a dozen trucks.
Written messages of condolence and flowers were being left at the arena on Saturday.
Culture minister Aurelie Filippetti said that she felt a "great sadness" about the incident.
An investigation has been launched to find out the cause of the tragedy.
More from GlobalPost: At least 35 arrests in Mali over French journalist murders
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 226 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!