(Updated) Major Explosion Shakes Suburb of Tirana

Tirana, 15 March 2008 – AENews – 16.00 – Six dead by the explosion, reported by media, are not confirmed by the government at 16.00. Till now, the government has confirmed only one dead and over 160 injured.

Number of deaths is not yet confirmed. Prime Minister Berisha spoke for several dozen victims. Speaking with one survivor, who was an employee of U.S. company responsible for the dismantling of military explosives, in the hospital, Mr. Berisha was informed that some 60 employees who were part of the dismantling teams. The survivor reported barely escaping the explosions while many of his colleagues were still inside the tunnels.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated by the nearby area.

Such was the blast sound that it was heard all the way in the center of Tirana, some 20 kilometers away. The number of casualties is estimated at over 150 people, but it is expected to rise as more people are brought into hospitals where they are being cared for. Meanwhile rescue efforts continue to bring in all those who were hurt, especially closer to the blast center.

The army depot was located close to the main Tirana-Durres motorway. The explosion was such that it affected even the vehicles that were driving by at the moment, including a bus full of people who where hurt by the flying glass debris.

A U.S. based company is reported to have been in charge of the dismantling process. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy has already issued a press release comforting those who may have been hurt.

The Albanian government authorities responded quickly to the event mobilizing all the responsible authorities and coordinating efforts. Despite all efforts to evacuate the people in the surrounding area, there are reports there are more people closer to the explosion whom could not be rescued immediately due to the ongoing explosions in the depot.

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