A pair of explosions occurred at an unlicensed liquified petroleum gas (LPG) plant in Crevedia, near Romania’s capital city Bucharest, on Saturday, August 26.
The incident caused the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 56 others, with first responders making up 39 of the injured.
LPG, a mixture of cheaper hydrocarbon gases, is widely used in Eastern Europe because of its economic advantages, but it’s notable for its combustibility.
The initial explosion led to the evacuation of the surrounding area and disruptions in local transit. The second blast, which took place during firefighting operations, injured numerous firefighters. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. Among the injured, several, including police, remain in a critical state.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu arranged for the transfer of four critically injured individuals to medical institutions in Italy and Belgium.
Deputy Interior Minister Raed Arafat disclosed that the plant did not have appropriate licensing.
President Klaus Iohannis extended his condolences and called for medical intervention and an extensive inquiry into the incident.
