Distrigaz's reaction after the first people were detained in the case of the explosion in the building in Rahova: We trust the rule of law

The Distrigaz Sud Rețele company states, through a statement, that it will assume “full responsibility” if deficiencies are “identified and demonstrated” following the prosecutors' investigation in the case of the explosion in Rahova, as a result of which three people died. The company also states that it expresses “full solidarity with all the employees of Distrigaz Sud Retéles involved in the investigation”.

Three people were detained for 24 hours, Wednesday evening, by the prosecutors of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Bucharest Court of Appeal following the searches that took place in the criminal file opened after the explosion in the block of flats on Vicina Street in the Rahova district of Bucharest, say judicial sources cited by Euronews Romania, G4Media.ro and the News.ro press agency.

According to these sources among the investigators, an employee of the Distrigaz company and two from a private company (Amproperty Construct SRL from Bucharest) were detained for 24 hours. Regarding the latter, the investigators suspect that they checked the gas network after the arrival of Distrigaz.

Distrigaz: We will take full responsibility if deficiencies are found

According to Distrigaz, “experts assigned to the investigation are analyzing the exact causes of the explosion – which have not yet been established, as a multitude of factors may be involved, such as
it was shown in public space”.

“At this moment, no definitive technical conclusion has been issued regarding the causes of the incident,” the Distrigaz press release also states.
“We reaffirm that we have acted and are acting in accordance with the legal norms and safety obligations that regulate our activity.”
“We have confidence in the rule of law and the ability of the judiciary to conduct a rigorous, impartial and thorough investigation that will establish responsibilities based on the facts and applicable law,” the company added.
“During the legal proceedings, we will present all the elements and defenses that strongly demonstrate the compliance of our actions. If deficiencies are identified and demonstrated, we will assume full responsibility,” claims Distrigaz.

“Also, we express our full solidarity with all Distrigaz Sud Rețele employees involved in the investigation. Our commitment to the safety of people and property remains absolute,” the company added.

The head of the police investigating the case said that the epicenter of the explosion and the path of the gases had been determined, and now the investigators are waiting for the Insemex report to draw the first conclusions.

Following the explosion, which resulted in the death of three people and the injury of 15 others, the Romanian Police and the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Bucharest Court of Appeal carried out several activities, within the framework of the criminal case, namely the on-site investigation and the questioning of some people.

The file opened following the explosion in the block of flats in the Rahova district concerns the crime of culpable destruction that resulted in a disaster, and so far the investigations have been carried out in rem.