The access to the stair of the apartment building from 11/5 Moscovei Blvd that was rocked by an explosion on October 6 continues to be banned. Only the dwellers from the stairs nearby could return to their apartments. The dwellers living on the affected stair will be allowed to enter only after the building is subject to a technical inspection. Details were presented by acting mayor of Chisinau Ruslan Codreanu in a press briefing, IPN reports.

The mayor said the heaviest reinforced concrete slab that posed a threat was removed from the 13th floor. The operation was long-lasting one given the risk of collapse. Yesterday, by two-three persons living on the affected stair could go in with rescuers accompanying them to take the identification papers and personal belongings.

Eight persons were accommodated at the hospital of the Ministry of Health last night. There are enough accommodation places there. Food for the victims was prepared at a catering firm situated in Râșcani district. Food parcels were also prepared for rescuers, police officers and affected dwellers.

Ruslan Codreanu said a technical examination will be performed to determine the extent of the damage caused to the building. The results will show if the dwellers can return to their apartments or not.

Six apartments were destroyed in the blast, but many apartments necessitate repair works. The municipality will take decisions as regards the provision of social dwellings to those who remained without homes and the allocation of assistance to the persons who apartments were damaged.

The acting mayor said he received numerous messages from citizens about persons who own gas cylinders. The authorities do not have the right to enter privately owned homes, but joint commissions will be set up in each district of Chisinau to inform the people about the dangers posed by gas cylinders.

Four persons, one of whom a child, died in the blast. A fireman hurt during the rescue operation and a woman in whose apartment the explosion occurred, who suffered serious burns, remain hospitalized.

The Chisinau City Prosecutor’s Office took legal action and is to start a criminal case over killing out of imprudence.