Gas Leak Triggers Residential Building Explosion Severely Injuring Two People, Emergency Crews Respond In Trnava

Trnava, Slovakia— A gas leak triggered a residential building explosion Wednesday afternoon, severely injuring two people and blowing out windows across three floors of an apartment block.

Novy Cas reported the blast happened at 3:25 p.m. on Spartakovska Street. Residents smelled gas for 30 minutes before the explosion. One called the gas company. The blast occurred before crews arrived. The shockwave was heard two kilometers away.

The explosion originated in a second-floor apartment. The force destroyed interior walls and lifted the concrete balcony. Two people inside, a 68-year-old woman and her 42-year-old son, suffered severe burns and fractures. They were thrown into the hallway.

Firefighters from Trnava and hazardous materials units arrived within 10 minutes. They evacuated 28 residents, including four children. Gas supply to the entire block was shut off. Firefighters extinguished a secondary fire in the kitchen within 30 minutes.

The two injured were taken to Bratislava University Hospital burn unit by helicopter. Doctors said both have burns over 50 percent of their bodies and are in critical condition. Two other residents were treated for smoke inhalation.

Inspector Martin Ruzicka of the Fire Brigade said initial readings showed a high concentration of natural gas in the stairwell. He said the apartment had an old gas stove with a faulty hose. He said the building had no gas detectors.

The building, constructed in 1978, houses 16 families. The explosion damaged six apartments and shattered 40 windows. Structural engineers declared the second floor unsafe. Residents were not allowed back overnight.

Gas company SPP-distribucia said it received the first leak report at 3:05 p.m. A crew was dispatched at 3:18 p.m. The blast occurred seven minutes later. The company said it is cooperating with investigators.

Prosecutors opened a case for negligent causing of bodily harm and endangering public safety. The apartment's gas installation will be examined. The building remains cordoned. The investigation is ongoing.