BUCHAREST: One person was killed, and 57 others sustained injuries when two powerful explosions rocked an unlicensed liquefied petroleum gas filling station situated just north of Romania’s capital, Bucharest.
According to official statements, the majority of those harmed were courageous firefighters who hurried to the scene in an attempt to douse the flames ignited by the initial explosion, only to be confronted by a second blast. Among the injured, several individuals sustained severe burns. The toll included 39 firefighters, along with two police officers and two gendarmes, as confirmed by Raed Arafat, the head of the emergency department, on Sunday.
In response to the severity of the injuries, Arafat stated, “Overnight, we transferred two firefighters and two civilians abroad (for treatment), and more will follow.” These initial four were transported to medical facilities in Italy or Belgium, as indicated by the defense ministry.
Cause of Romania Gas Station Explosions
The precise cause of the explosions that rocked Crevedia, a collection of villages, remains shrouded in uncertainty. In light of the tragic incident, prosecutors have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the circumstances leading to the explosions.
Raed Arafat emphasized, “We know that the station was no longer working, so it clearly didn’t have a permit to function.” This suggests a regulatory violation in the operation of the gas station, raising concerns about safety standards.
The ensuing fire compelled the evacuation of individuals residing within a radius of approximately 700 meters (770 yards), underlining the extensive impact of the incident.
Reacting to the incident, President Klaus Iohannis expressed his sorrow on Facebook, writing, “I’m profoundly saddened that the explosions in Crevedia resulted in victims,” labeling it a “tragedy.”
The occurrence has reignited public frustrations within the European Union member state, highlighting concerns regarding the absence of adequate official oversight to ensure adherence to safety regulations. Romania has experienced previous tragedies stemming from safety lapses, notably the 2015 blaze that engulfed a Bucharest nightclub due to fireworks, claiming the lives of 64 individuals.
