Budapest Suburb Fire Tragedy Claims Three Lives and Injures 22 Workers
A catastrophic fire in a Budapest suburb has resulted in at least three fatalities and left 22 individuals injured, according to Hungarian authorities. The blaze erupted early Friday morning in a building serving as temporary lodgings for workers, prompting a massive emergency response.
Emergency Services Mobilise to Budakeszi Blaze
Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire in Budakeszi, located approximately five miles west of Budapest, after it engulfed a two-story structure in the early hours. Hungary's National Directorate General for Disaster Management reported that more than 40 paramedics and 18 emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene. During the operation, firefighters rescued several survivors and removed three gas cylinders from the building.
The bodies of two men and one woman were discovered beneath the collapsed roof of the building, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the disaster management authority. The building was being used as temporary accommodation for workers, adding a layer of tragedy to the incident.
Explosion Suspected as Cause with Criminal Investigation Launched
At a news conference on Friday, a spokesperson for the Pest County Police Headquarters indicated that an explosion in one of the rooms likely triggered the fire. The spokesperson further revealed that several irregularities were identified within the building, including non-compliant gas usage that violated existing regulations.
In response to these findings, police have initiated a criminal investigation into the case. The discovery of regulatory breaches suggests potential negligence or safety failures that may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
Injured Victims Receive Urgent Medical Treatment
Paramedics provided treatment to 22 people who sustained injuries during the fire, with four of these individuals suffering life-threatening conditions. All injured parties were transported to eight different hospitals across Budapest for further medical care and monitoring.
The scale of the emergency response underscores the gravity of the situation, with multiple healthcare facilities mobilising to address the influx of patients. The incident has raised serious questions about safety standards in temporary worker accommodations throughout Hungary.
This tragic event highlights critical issues surrounding housing regulations and emergency preparedness in suburban areas near major urban centres. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to scrutinise compliance with safety protocols in similar lodgings across the region.
