BOTOSANI, ROMANIA – An explosion rocked a home improvement store in northeastern Romania on Friday, injuring at least 13 people, according to local authorities. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, deploying a mobile intensive care unit to the scene in Botosani, Suceava County.
Four of the injured are in serious condition, with two requiring intubation. The remaining victims, though conscious, sustained various traumas and burns. Emergency helicopters, two ambulances, and two fire trucks were dispatched to manage the situation, including extinguishing a fire and conducting a search and rescue mission within the store.
The cause of the explosion remains undetermined, and it has not been confirmed whether the injured were customers or employees of the store. Video footage from the scene shows significant damage, with part of the building’s facade blown out and debris, including air-conditioning units, scattered across the area.
Two of the critically injured victims will be transported to a hospital in Iasi, approximately 68 miles south of Botosani, while the other two will be airlifted to Bucharest for more immediate medical attention, according to the Ministry of Health. Some of the injured individuals suffered burns covering 10-15% of their upper bodies.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of similar establishments. Authorities urge the public to stay clear of the area while emergency operations continue.