Storm-related explosion forces evacuations in Romania and sparks farm fires in Serbia

A blast erupted in a ground‑floor apartment of a four‑storey block in Timișoara, Romania, igniting a fire that prompted the rescue service to evacuate 43 residents. Three people received on‑site medical aid but did not require hospitalisation.

Later, a severe thunderstorm with lightning strikes caused several small fires across farms in Vojvodina, Serbia. In Topola, around 500 sqm of barley and wheat were engulfed, while similar lightning‑induced blazes burned crops in Gunarac and damaged a power meter in Zentagra. Strong winds also toppled trees on roads in Karađorđevo and Misityev. Serbian authorities warned the public to avoid travel and protect property from the approaching hailstorm and high winds.