(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The following is an update on the LP gas explosion that occurred on Tuesday, 5 Adar, on Dan Street in Jerusalem’s Baka neighborhood.

During the renovation work in the basement of the building, which apparently included treatment of the gas system, an explosion occurred. The details of the case are being investigated by the Jerusalem District Police.

As soon as the event was announced, Mayor Nir Barkat arrived at the site and instructed city officials to begin assisting. The municipality’s teams, led by the city’s Director-General Amnon Merchav, are constantly on site and taking care of the building and its residents.

As a result of the explosion heavy damage was caused to 8 apartments, which for the time being were closed according to the instructions of the city engineer.

On Wednesday, 6 Adar, a meticulous engineering review will be conducted by the constructors and engineers of the Department of Dangerous Buildings, after which the city engineer will decide what needs to be done later to treat the damaged apartments in order to remove any danger to the residents.

The municipality’s community and welfare administration handle tenants who have been evicted from their apartments and those who need overnight care.

All municipal activity is coordinated with the Jerusalem Police and all the rescue forces. The scene of the incident was directed by the Jerusalem District Police.

A court on Wednesday afternoon accepted a police request to extend the remand of two suspects. One of the suspects is in his 30s, the person who installed the gas. His statements led to the arrest of a second suspect. Police are working on the premise the gas installation was not to code.

The accompanying police video shows police and IDF operations at the scene not long after the blast.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)