A family of eight perished yesterday following an explosion and fire at a house in Szczyrk. The probable cause of the explosion was a gas leak caused by accidental drilling through a gas pipe during construction works. The rescue operation lasted several hours. The president and prime minister of Poland sent their condolences to the victims’ relatives.
The firemen found bodies of 4 adults and 4 children among the ruins. The rescue operation lasted several hours with firemen searching through the rubble at the site of the explosion.
“The firemen are still searching through the rubble and unfortunately the victim count has risen to 8 people. We’ve been told that there were 8 people in the building at the time of the explosion, but we can’t exclude the chance that someone simply passing by got hurt. That’s why we will officially end the rescue only when we clear all the ruins and make sure that no one else is trapped there. It’s difficult to say at this point what was the cause of the blast, but I believe the investigators will find that out shortly. At the moment, we are focusing on the search and rescue mission. It was and still is a difficult operation, given the fact that a fire followed the explosion” – says Paweł Frątczak, Senior Brigadier , spokesman for the Chief Commander of the state Fire Service.
The investigation regarding the matter was undertaken by the state prosecutor’s department in Bielsko-Biała. So far, police officers have questioned the employees of the Aqua System construction company.
Condolences to the victims’ relatives were sent by president Andrzej Duda and prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
“Unfortunately, we have further sad news from Szczyrk. Firemen and policemen are finding more bodies of the victims of the gas explosion. A family tragedy difficult to describe. My thoughts and prayers are with the relatives. RIP” – says Andrzej Duda, President of Poland.
“All possible manpower is engaged in saving human lives following the gas explosion in Szczyrk. I’m in constant contact with provincial governor Wieczorek who is present on site. My thoughts are with the victims’ family, everyone will be given proper help”- says Mateusz morawiecki,Prime Minister of Poland.
Since the blast yesterday evening, over a 100 firemen and 50 policemen have been taking part in the rescue operation. The spokesman for the State Fire Service said that one of the rescuers was hurt in the process.