Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed his condolences and honored the fallen firefighters, calling them "true heroes of our times."
Two firefighters, initially reported missing after the explosion during the firefighting operation on Kraszewskiego Street, were confirmed dead by Tusk around noon. The PM took to the X platform, writing: "Two firefighters died today during a fire extinguishing operation in Poznań. Honor their memory!" He emphasized that the families of the victims would receive full state support.
At a press conference, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, Wiesław Leśniakiewicz, expressed his sympathy to the families of the deceased firefighters, describing them as experienced professionals.
"A 34-year-old man with 12 years of experience and a 33-year-old man with 11 years of experience have died. One of them leaves behind two children. This is a tragedy for all of us. The firefighters gave their lives to save others," Leśniakiewicz stated.
Regional governor Agata Sobczyk also offered her condolences and assured that the injured firefighters are receiving care from specialists.
"We managed to speak with most of them. They have first and second-degree burns, bruises, and other injuries, but they are in stable condition and receiving psychological support," Sobczyk noted.
The two firefighters who perished were trapped in the basement of the tenement house when the explosion took place. The fire, which occurred in Poznań's Jeżyce district, was eventually brought under control. In total, 14 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, one resident of the building, and two passersby.
Sobczyk also announced that the injured will receive emergency financial assistance of PLN 6,000. She added that further efforts will be made in collaboration with city authorities to support the affected residents.
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Source: Polskie Radio 24, IAR, PAP