"At least 9 dead in Albania after accidental explosion
Tirana -- Rescue teams worked into the night yesterday to locate nine people still missing a day after a chain of massive explosions flattened an Albanian ammunition dump and hundreds of nearby houses, killing at least nine and injuring nearly 300.
Saturday's explosions in the village of Gerdec, about 10 kilometres north of Tirana, scattered shells over an area of more than 1,000 hectares.
Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the explosions were an accident: blasts triggered during work to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled during Albania's Communist past."
...and another recent report says..."The blasts began Saturday and continued for 14 hours, raining artillery shells down on nearby villages and destroying more than 300 homes. Berisha has said the explosions were an accident that occurred during work to destroy excess ammunition stockpiled since Albania's communist past.
Health Minister Nard Ndoka announced another death in the explosions in the village of Gerdec, about six miles outside of Tirana, raising the toll to 16. He said 52 people were still being treated in hospitals, six of them in serious condition.
If you have read this information, you may be wondering if we are OK. I am happy to report that we are safe and sound. At the time of the explosion, I heard a loud bang, but thought it was some of the numerous trucks that rumble around our area. Soon afterwards, one of our team mates called to tell me the news. She said that they felt the explosion and that their windows rattled.
One of families that are missionaries with another organization live in very close proximity to the blast and their house was evacuated and many of their things are ruined because of the heavy rain in recent days. This tragedy brings home the brevity of life and how vital it is for us to take every opportunity to share the hope of Christ's salvation. Please pray that this will open the eyes of the Albanian people to their need for Christ.
2 comments:
With the reassuring news of the safety of our family in Tirana in light of the explosion, our faith is heightened.
God has heard the prayers of our hearts. He has answered as He promised He would.
"That the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 2 Corinthians 4:7
We love you, dear family.
So glad to know that you all are doing allright.
We prayed for you when we read about it.
We are praying specifically that this will open a door for the gospel even more in Albania.
"For such a time as this.."
Love,
S. Schoppe
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