Driver Killed in Car Explosion in Paris

PARIS (AP) -- A car exploded in a residential area of Paris on Wednesday, killing the driver and slightly injuring five bystanders, police said.

The explosion set fire to three cars parked nearby. It took place on the same street as a Jewish school, but officials said the school was not targeted.

The incident was not considered a terrorist-related crime, according to police.

The vehicle was parked on a residential street in northwest Paris and exploded when the car's owner, identified as a 55-year-old man with a prior criminal record, started the ignition, police said. An explosive device apparently had been placed under the driver's seat.

Jewish institutions are among those in France that have come under greater police protection since security was tightened following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.