Powerful explosion in Elbasan leaves two dead and 10 injured / Police give details of search through rubble and suspected cause of apartment building fire

The explosion at an apartment building in the “Qemal Stafa” neighborhood of Elbasan, which left two people dead and several others injured, is suspected to have been caused by a buildup of gas in the apartment of 69-year-old Hamit Ibra, who was also killed.

In an official statement, police said the investigation team, working under the direction of the prosecutor’s office, was continuing to examine the scene and carry out other investigative work to fully establish the circumstances and cause of the explosion.

According to police, two people were killed. Hamit Ibra, the owner of the apartment where the fire broke out, was found dead after midnight. A day earlier, 82-year-old Hatixhe Berisha also died at the scene. Another 10 residents of the building were injured and taken to hospital.

“Based on preliminary investigative work carried out by the Elbasan Local Police Directorate, in cooperation with RENEA explosives specialists and under the direction of the Elbasan prosecutor’s office, initial findings suggest that the explosion and subsequent fire were caused by a buildup of gas in the 69-year-old’s apartment,” the police statement said.

STATEMENT:

Following the information released yesterday about the fire on the third floor of the apartment building in the “Qemal Stafa” neighborhood, we inform you that, after several hours of intensive searching by Elbasan police, in cooperation with the Armed Forces, Civil Emergency services and firefighters, the body of the owner of the apartment where the fire broke out, H. I., aged 69, was found at around 00:40.

As a result of the incident, H. B., aged 82, died at the scene. In addition, 10 residents of the same building were injured, received medical assistance and left the hospital. There was also extensive property damage.

Based on preliminary investigative work carried out by the Elbasan Local Police Directorate, in cooperation with RENEA explosives specialists and under the direction of the Elbasan prosecutor’s office, initial findings suggest that the explosion and subsequent fire were caused by a buildup of gas in the 69-year-old’s apartment.

The special investigation team, working under the direction of the prosecutor’s office, is continuing to examine the scene and carry out other investigative work to fully establish the circumstances and cause of the explosion.

The case materials were referred to the prosecutor’s office for assessment.