Following Saturday’s deadly explosions at a LPG station in Creventia near Bucharest, Romania asked for EU assistance for the treatment of victims who suffered severe burns. A total of nine countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden) have offered to host patients through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Burn victims have already arrived in Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany and Norway.

“The tragic explosions in Romania resulted in dozens of people, including first responders, requiring emergency medical treatment. My thoughts at this time go out to the victims, their families and their colleagues. European countries reacted immediately, offering the possibility of treating the victims in their hospitals. Twelve patients, who have already been transferred through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, are receiving emergency medical treatment in Belgium, Italy, Austria, Germany and Norway. I thank all countries for their solidarity with Romania at this difficult time when the needs are enormous. Our goal now is to save lives.” said the Commissioner for Crisis Management of the EU, Mr. Yanes Lenarcic.

The EU Emergency Response Coordination Center is in constant contact with the Romanian and European authorities to mobilize any additional assistance as needed.

George Fellidis