An explosion at a warehouse storing fireworks and chimneys on the Shkozet ring road triggered a major fire, leaving behind heavy damage and causing alarm in the area. According to preliminary reports, the building has been almost entirely destroyed, while the flames also endangered nearby homes.
The explosion and spread of the flames
The incident was recorded on Thursday afternoon in Shkozet, where an explosion at the warehouse was initially reported, followed by flames spreading throughout the entire facility.
Additional explosions were heard in the area, making intervention even more difficult and increasing the danger to the surrounding perimeter.
The cause remains unclear
The preliminary version circulating about the cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed. According to this information, high temperatures are suspected of having caused two high-voltage cables to snap, which may then have fallen onto the warehouse.
Pending official verification, the full circumstances of the explosion remain unclear.
Durres without power, nearby homes under threat
After the fire and explosions, a large part of Durres was left without electricity. The power outage has compounded the consequences of an incident that has also highlighted the danger posed by such facilities near residential areas and major traffic arteries.
The flames threatened at least 2 to 3 homes near the warehouse, while the situation on the ground was considered high risk.
Response on the ground and road closure
Firefighters and police forces are at the scene, engaged in efforts to isolate and extinguish the fire. The intervention is facing difficulties because of the materials present in the warehouses engulfed by the flames.
Police have halted vehicle traffic on the road, arguing that the measure is needed to ease the movement of fire engines and avoid danger to citizens.
So far, there is no detailed toll of the consequences, while footage from the area shows a building heavily hit by the explosion and fire.
The investigation into the cause and extent of the damage is expected to be essential in understanding whether this was only an incident or also a failure in safety measures.