Reactions after the tragedy in Bucharest’s Rahova neighbourhood

The authorities have taken measures to assist the people affected by Friday’s blast in Bucharest

Mihai Pelin, 20.10.2025, 13:50

The City Hall has accommodation for 440 in place for the victims of the explosion in the Bucharest’s Rahova neighbourhood, about 80 of whom, including children and elderly people, were placed in hotels. Local authorities are also prepared to provide money for rent as an alternative.

Three people died in the blast, and the eight-story apartment building where the explosion occurred is severely damaged. According to a preliminary report by the Construction Inspectorate, people cannot return to their homes. Moreover, experts say the cost of consolidation works would outweigh the benefits, and intervention teams would be facing major risks.

The interim mayor of Bucharest, Stelian Bujduveanu, says that depending on the conclusions of the experts and after investigations have been completed, the demolition of this building might be considered.

Meanwhile, the municipality will hire a company to take down and remove the building parts likely to break apart immediately, and after that, under the coordination of the Emergency Inspectorate, people will be able to go back to their apartments to recover their essential possessions.

For the time being, the city hall has taken out approx. EUR 600,000 from its reserve fund to help the people evacuated after the blast that also injured several people, one of whom has already been flown to a burn centre in Austria. The money will cover food, medicine and essential items, psychological counselling, and the re-issue of official documents, as already requested by 20 families.

Temporary traffic restrictions remain in place in several areas of the perimeter affected by the explosion, and traffic is diverted to alternative routes. Pedestrian access is also restricted on the sidewalk adjacent to the affected buildings.

The Road Brigade has set up a mobile unit to issue repair permits for the vehicles affected by the blast. Dozens of such documents required by car repair shops have already been issued.

Investigators continue to question witnesses in the criminal case opened with respect to the incident, after the building manager was called once again to provide statements. One theory being considered is that the explosion was caused by an accumulation of gas. But according to the interim mayor of Bucharest, all works on the building and the surrounding area will only begin after all evidence has been gathered.

The “Dimitrie Bolintineanu” High School, located next to the affected building, will also require restoration work, and students will have online classes this week. Depending on the duration of the repair works, children may even be assigned to other schools.

In turn, depending on the outcome of the investigation, the ministry of energy intends to draft amendments to the relevant legislation. These will target the companies or entities that deal with gas leak notifications, so as to prevent them from delegating their responsibilities in such cases. (AMP)