August 27, 2023
A roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 27.08.2023, 14:00
EXPLOSIONS -
Prosecutors with the High Court of Cassation and Justice in Bucharest have
taken over the investigation in Saturday’s explosions at an LPG filling station
in Crevedia near Bucharest. In the wake of the blasts, one person died of a
heart attack, one person died to the burns while in hospital and another 60
were injured, mostly firefighters. The first blast occurred as employees of the
station were trying to transfer LPG from one tank to another. The second blast occurred
as firefighters were trying to put out the fire. The LPG station was a
storehouse in official documents after its fuel trading license had been
suspended by the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. The authorities have
activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in order to transfer victims to
burn hospitals abroad. Four victims have been transferred to clinics in Belgium
and Italy. A new aircraft is expected to carry burn patients to clinics in
Austria and Germany. According to the Health Ministry, 41 people are treated in
hospitals in Romania, of which 6 are in intensive care.
MOLDOVA -
Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, conveyed a message marking the National
Day of the Republic of Moldova, celebrated 32 years since the proclamation of
independence. Romania stands with Moldova and will continue to support its EU
accession, its resilience, its safety and the prosperity of its citizens,
president Iohannis tweeted. In turn, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu conveyed a
message of congratulations to Moldovan citizens. In 1991, after the failed coup
of conservative forces, the Moldovan Parliament convened on August 27 to decide
the future of the country. The vote was followed by the biggest National
Assembly. 278 deputies voted in favor of the Declaration of Independence. On
March 2, 1992, Moldova became a full member of the UN.
ENESCU FESTIVAL -
The 26th edition of the George Enescu International Music Festival
kicks off on Sunday in Bucharest. For 29 days, 3,500 of the most renowned
artists in the world and over 40 orchestras from 16 countries will climb on
stage as part of 90 concerts. This year’s theme, Generosity through Music,
reflects the fundamental values of the great composer George Enescu and the
George Enescu Award he set up in 1913, describing new approaches in the field
of social engagement, education, training, inclusion and community-wide
contribution, specific to this artistic event. The Vienna Philharmonic, the
Concertgebouw Royal Orchestra of Amsterdam, the National Orchestra of France,
the Tonhalle Orchestra of Zurich, London Symphony Orchestra and the Czech
Philharmonic Orchestras are some of the renowned orchestras that will take part
in the festival, alongside such conductors as Cristian Măcelaru, the festival’s
artistic director, Zubin Mehta, Sir Simon Rattle, Wilson Hermanto, Paavo Jarvi,
Delyana Lazarova, Lawrence Foster or Vladimir Jurowski. The George Enescu
Festival has been held in Bucharest since 1958, honoring the memory and works of
the great Romanian composer, pianist, violinist and conductor George Enescu.
VOLLEY -
Romania lost 3-1 to France on Saturday in the round of 16 at the European
Volleyball Championships held over August 15 – September 3 in Belgium, Italy,
Estonia and Germany. At the 2021 European Championships, hosted by Bulgaria,
Croatia, Romania and Serbia, our country ranked second to last. This year
Romania ranks in the Top 16. The best result was in 1963, when Romania scooped
bronze at home.
WEATHER -
The capital-city Bucharest and 19 counties in the south, west and north of
Romania are under a code orange alert against extreme heat and thermal
discomfort, in place until Monday. Temperatures are expected to reach 37
degrees while the temperature-humidity index will exceed the critical level of
80 units. On Monday, a code orange alert for extreme heat will cover most of
Romania’s territory. Highs will range between 37 and 39 degrees. (VP)
