“The European civil protection system has been activated” after the explosions in Crevedia, which killed one person and injured several dozen, some with serious burns, Prime Minister Marcel Cholaku said on Saturday night.

• “Those who had more serious problems were taken to Floreasca Hospital. The European Civil Protection System (there is no European Civil Protection Mechanism) has been activated. More than likely tonight, we believe a total of four patients will be transferred to Italy and Belgium. We are trying to save as many lives as possible. We will keep you updated. Everything will be transparent,” said Cholaku.

• “All relatives have been contacted. Special telephones were also made so that those who are in the area can call if they feel that they have certain health problems,” said the Prime Minister.

Asked if other patients would be transferred abroad in the coming days, Cholaku said, “We will see how they come out after the surgeries. First of all, they need to be stabilized.”

Several powerful explosions occurred on Saturday at a gas station in the town of Krevedia, Dambovitsa County, followed by a fire. Several people were injured with severe burns, and at least one person died. The population in the area was evacuated, and traffic on DN 1A was completely blocked.