An apartment block hit by a gas explosion is pictured in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
BUCHAREST, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said.
"Rescue teams have found another victim, but we have no further details yet," said Raed Arafat, head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU). It is the third confirmed fatality from the blast.
The blast, which struck a residential building on Calea Rahovei, caused extensive damage to several apartments. Many of the injured suffered trauma and burns, according to emergency officials.
The health ministry said it had set up a crisis cell to coordinate with the DSU, the interior ministry and emergency hospitals. Officials are assessing available intensive care beds and reallocating medical resources to treat the injured.
Firefighters have deployed 20 emergency vehicles to the site on Calea Rahovei, and the Red Intervention Plan was activated to ensure a coordinated response.
The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations said pupils and teachers from a nearby high school were evacuated as a precaution. A RO-ALERT message urged residents to avoid the area and follow official guidance.
Two canine units were deployed to assist search operations inside the damaged building.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion. ■
An apartment block hit by a gas explosion is pictured in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
An apartment block hit by a gas explosion is pictured in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
A residential building hit by an explosion is pictured in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
Firefighters are seen on a street in the restricted area near a residential building hit by an explosion in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
A firefighter heads to a fire fighting truck on a street in the restricted area near a residential building hit by an explosion in Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 17, 2025. Three people were killed and at least 13 others injured after an explosion ripped through an apartment block in the Romanian capital here on Friday, authorities said. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
