A large explosion in an apartment block in Romania’s capital, which killed three and injured at least 13 others, may have been caused by a gas leak, authorities say.

An apartment block shows damage from a powerful explosion which occurred near the Dimitrie Bolintineanu High School in Bucharest, October 17 2025. Photo: EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT.

A blast in an eight-storey apartment block in a peripheral district of Bucharest, Romania on Friday killed three people, injuring at least 13 others. Authorities said the blast was most likely caused by an accidental gas leak.

Among the injured was a 17-year-old girl reported to be in critical condition. The Health Ministry said three of those hospitalized had suffered severe burns and would be transferred abroad for treatment once their condition stabilizes.

Video footage released by the emergency services showed the facades of the two upper floors torn apart by the explosion, with windows shattered in neighbouring apartments and debris scattered across the street.

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan told the public broadcaster RRA that the building was heavily damaged and would likely have to be demolished.

“More than 400 residents have been affected, but all have been provided with temporary accommodation in safe conditions,” Bolojan said.

Students and teachers at a nearby school were evacuated as a precaution, Bucharest’s School Inspectorate said.

The precise cause of the deadly blast remains under investigation. Authorities confirmed that the gas supply in the area had been shut off the previous day following several safety complaints. However, new reports of gas leaks were received on Friday morning, just moments before the explosion occurred.