The explosion that killed two people in Elbasan has left behind not only destroyed apartments, but also a building that now poses a danger to residents and anyone who approaches it. The preliminary report by the Construction Institute has highlighted serious damage to the building's structure, raising the alarm about the possible collapse of parts of it.
According to the engineers' assessment, the most worrying situation is on the fifth floor, where the roof above the explosion area is in danger of collapsing at any moment. The force of the explosion and the ensuing fire have severely damaged the supporting elements and other parts of the building, calling into question its stability.
Faced with this situation, experts have requested that the building be closed and access to it be restricted until the in-depth expertise is completed. The risk is not limited to the damaged apartments, as people standing near the building may also be exposed to falling materials and construction elements.
The Construction Institute has recommended creating a 20 to 30 meter safety perimeter around the building, as well as taking measures to prevent the collapse of damaged parts.
Images released from inside the building show the extent of the destruction. Collapsed walls, shattered windows, concrete rubble and apartments engulfed in flames testify to the force of the explosion that hit the five-story building.
The tragedy occurred on November 4, when an explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak in a third-floor apartment, was followed by a massive fire. Two people lost their lives, while ten other residents received medical attention.
After the event, 15 families were left homeless. The Municipality of Elbasan initiated procedures for a rent bonus, while some of the residents were temporarily accommodated in the city dormitory.
Meanwhile, specialists are continuing material analyses and structural testing to determine whether the building can be partially repaired or whether its demolition will be necessary.
For the affected families, uncertainty continues even after the flames are extinguished. In addition to the human losses and material damage, they are now faced with the question of what will happen to their homes and whether the building will still be standing.
