BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A devastating explosion rocked an apartment building in Romania's capital on Friday, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals and injuring at least 13 others, as reported by local authorities. The blast occurred on the fifth and sixth floors of the eight-story structure located on Calea Rahovei in Sector 5 of Bucharest.

The Inspectorate for Emergency Situations in Bucharest confirmed that numerous emergency vehicles responded to the scene, deploying 11 fire engines and four mobile intensive care units to assist in the aftermath of the explosion. The cause of the incident remains unclear, although authorities reported that the gas supply in the area had been shut off as a precautionary measure following the event.

According to the Romanian Ministry of Health, the victims suffered from polytrauma and burns, indicating the severity of the injuries. Rescue efforts led to the discovery of one deceased individual under a concrete slab on the sixth floor of the building. At least 13 other victims were transported to various hospitals across the capital for urgent medical treatment.

In response to the emergency, all residents of the affected building were evacuated, and search operations were conducted by rescuers to locate any individuals potentially trapped beneath the debris. Additionally, students and teachers from a nearby school were also evacuated as a safety precaution, further highlighting the urgency of the situation, as outlined by Bucharest’s School Inspectorate.

Video footage released by emergency services displayed a harrowing scene, showing extensively damaged facades of corner apartments on the impacted floors. The explosion was significant enough to shatter windows in adjacent apartments and scatter rubble across the street below. Emergency authorities indicated that another apartment block nearby was also affected, with detached construction elements from its facade being observed.

The incident underscores the potential dangers associated with gas supply systems in urban residential areas. As investigations proceed to determine the precise cause of the explosion, safety protocols will likely be a focal point of discussion amongst city officials and emergency services.