A frantic apartment explosion has killed three people, including a child, in a tight-knit apartment complex that is now in shock and grief. Other people have also been injured, some seriously, and police are still probing the cause of the explosion.
The blast went through a residential block and within seconds turned a normal day into chaos. They reported listening to a sudden loud noise that could not be heard by anyone else and that made the building shake. The windows shook, walls rocked and soon the smoke filled the corridors and families were running in panic outside.
People who were inside the building said they had little to no time to react. Some ran out without shoes, others picked up their children and ran without thinking about anything else except for children. Neighbours assisted one another in their escape, old people being evacuated by dust and debris filled stairwells.
Emergency teams were on the scene in minutes. The firefighters, police officers and paramedics scoured through the debris and broken buildings, desperately trying to find anyone who might still be alive. Rescuers worked late into the day, carrying out injured residents to nearby hospitals.
Authorities say several injuries have been confirmed, some serious, but note that this may evolve if more information comes in. It has not yet been officially announced who died, the families are being notified first.
Initial investigations indicate that the explosion could have been caused by a gas leak, but the exact cause has yet to be determined. Technical teams are closely looking over the site to see what went wrong and if it might have been prevented.
Outside the damaged building, views of distress could be seen as residents stood and watched in silence, with some visibly shaken, and some visibly crying. The loss is very personal to some as their neighbours are not only gone, but their friends of many years as well.
The local administration has condoled and pledged to support the victims including temporary shelter and relief to the displaced families. There are efforts underway to mitigate the effects, and the community is just starting the challenging task of recovering.
But the emotional toll is too great for many of its residents. Their world was instantly rocked and they were faced with fear, uncertainty and grief that will take much longer to overcome.
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