Department for Emergency Situations (DSU) head Raed Arafat on Friday said that the block of flats in Sector 5 where a powerful explosion occurred is ‘at risk of collapse’ and urged residents not to attempt to enter the building or the area affected by the blast.

‘Resources have been mobilised across Bucharest (…), the Red Plan was activated, and personnel from the fire brigade, SMURD [Mobile Emergency Service for Reanimation and Extrication] and ambulance services were dispatched. The special search-and-rescue unit from IGSU [Inspectorate for Emergency Situations], which deals with earthquake scenarios, has also been mobilised and is currently conducting a search operation to ensure no one is trapped under debris from the upper floors. This is a very high-risk operation. ISC [State Inspectorate for Constructions] specialists, which have already assessed the site, have given a preliminary verdict that the building is at risk of collapse. For this reason, firefighters are carrying out a full evacuation. The surrounding area has been cleared, and access to the street has been restricted. The area will remain closed until a final decision is made,’ Raed Arafat said, speaking at the scene.

He stressed that no one is permitted to enter the building to retrieve belongings, documents, or personal effects, as it is considered extremely dangerous. Only the search operation is continuing inside the building.

‘It was a serious explosion, which damaged part of the block. The building has a U-shape layout, and one of the façades was significantly affected, resulting in injuries and hospitalisations. This situation will take time to resolve, and we urge the public not to risk entering the block or the surrounding danger zone,’ the DSU chief added. AGERPRES