Belgrade, Serbia – An explosion rocked Serbia’s capital city of Belgrade early Monday morning, triggering a swift response from emergency services. The blast, which occurred in the Vracar district, a residential area known for its calm atmosphere, echoed through the city, causing concern and confusion among residents.
Authorities were quick to arrive at the scene, which was enveloped in smoke and debris. Initial reports suggest that the explosion may have originated from a gas leak in one of the district’s older buildings. Firefighters worked diligently to control the resulting fire, which threatened to spread to adjacent structures.
Eyewitnesses describe a loud, terrifying sound that shattered the morning peace. “It was like a bomb had gone off,” one local resident said. “Everything shook, and there was immediate panic in the street.” People were seen evacitating their homes in pajamas, some with pets in tow, as the smell of gas filled the air.
Officials have confirmed that there are casualties, though the exact number of injured remains unclear as rescue operations continue. Emergency services have cordoned off the area, and residents are being urged to avoid the vicinity to allow unimpeded access to the response teams.
The president of Serbia has issued a statement expressing his concern and promising a thorough investigation into the incident. “Safety of our citizens is the priority, and we will make every effort to determine the cause of this explosion,” he stated.
The explosion in Belgrade raises concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure in historic districts, an issue that city officials have been grappling with. Experts have repeatedly warned that many older buildings are not equipped to handle modern gas pipelines and that renovations are urgently needed.
As the investigation unfolds, questions about the enforcement of safety regulations in residential areas are likely to dominate public discourse. Authorities are expected to review current policies and possibly introduce more stringent measures to prevent similar incidents.
The local community has shown resilience in the face of the morning’s events, with numerous offers of help for those affected flooding in on social media. Local businesses have opened their doors to provide shelter and refreshments for evacuees and emergency responders.
As Belgrade comes to terms with the impact of this disaster, the focus is now on recovery and ensuring the safety of its residents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and continuous improvement in urban infrastructure to avert future tragedies.