BOBIGNY, France (AFP) - Eighteen people were hurt, five of them seriously, when a bonfire effigy blew up at a carnival north of Paris on Saturday (April 1), emergency workers said.

The blast happened when organisers set fire to a wooden figure during a carnival at Villepinte after a traditional parade by local children.

None of the 18 suffered life-threatening injuries. Three were children.

Police said the effigy of a man, made out of plywood, was ignited by petrol using remote control.

The blast showered parts of the crowd with sparks and wooden splinters, which led to the injuries, and caused a momentary panic.

An inquiry has been opened.