Jerusalem City Hall has begun repairs on the buildings on Shabtai Hanegbi Street in Gilo that were significantly damaged in a recent gas explosion. The blast led to the deaths R”L of four people, a couple and their infant child and a 40-year-old woman.

The investigation that followed the blast revealed an exposed gas line near the building, as well as other components of the gas feed that are not up to an acceptable standard. Work on the gas line is in the advanced stage the report states.

MyNet reports residents whose homes were damaged in the powerful explosion are now deciding who will represent them as they appear to be moving ahead as a group, realizing they face a serious legal battle as to who will accept responsibility for the costs of repairs and replacing the loss, the significant damage that resulted in the blast.

Families that were compelled to evacuate their homes and were living in a local hotel are now on their own and they must find other living arrangements.

The report quotes city officials explaining they have done all they can, including picking up the tab for the hotel bills until Sunday, 9 Adar I 5774 and having social workers meet and assist families as much as possible. In addition, a command center was established to work with the local Gilo government council towards expediting repairs on the apartment buildings.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)