A TNT attack in the heart of Gjirokastër has left one person dead and another injured, while the preliminary version of the investigation points to a possible remote-trigger mechanism. The victim is Beqir Devolli, who died from the injuries he sustained after the explosion of the vehicle he was traveling in.
Explosion near justice institutions
The incident happened on Saturday evening on “18 Shtatori” boulevard, near the justice institutions and the Gjirokastër Police. According to the first information, a “Benz” vehicle exploded while it was moving.
The fact that the explosion occurred near institutional areas makes the episode even more serious, while it remains unclear how the explosive material was placed and how it passed unnoticed earlier.
Suspicion of phone activation
According to the preliminary suspicions of the investigation, the explosive material placed in the vehicle may have been activated remotely through a phone. So far, this remains an investigative lead and not an official conclusion.
Authorities have still not publicly determined the exact mechanism of the explosion, the motive for the attack, or the individuals suspected of placing the explosive.
Victim died on the way to Tirana
Beqir Devolli, who was driving the vehicle, died while being transported to the Trauma Hospital in Tirana as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion.
Erigers Mela was also in the same vehicle and was injured. He is reported to be out of danger.
What is known so far about Beqir Devolli
According to information reported by the investigation, Devolli had not reported open conflicts. This still leaves unanswered the main question about the motive for the attack.
He is also reported to have been convicted in 2012 for the illegal transport of migrants. His family has a home in a village in Gjirokastër County, while according to reports, he spent most of his time in Tirana.
The investigation remains in the verification stage, and so far there is no full official version on the perpetrators, the motive, or the exact way the attack was carried out.
Beyond the preliminary notices, the case once again raises serious questions about preventing such incidents and security in sensitive urban areas near state institutions.