A firefighter walks past the site of an explosion at the Palestinian ambassador's residence in Prague January 1, 2014.
Palestinian Ambassador Killed in Prague Blast
PRAGUE —
The Palestinian ambassador to the Czech Republic has been killed in an explosion at his apartment in Prague.
Authorities say the blast most likely was an accident.
Palestinian ambassador to the Czech Republic Jamal Al Jamal, Prague, Oct. 11, 2013.
Palestinian officials said the explosion occurred Wednesday morning as Ambassador Jamal al-Jamal was opening an old safe that had been brought to his quarters.
The blast caused serious injuries and Czech police said he died at a hospital. A 52-year-old woman at Jamal's residence also was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and shock.
Circumstances of the blast were unclear, although some reports said the explosives may have been part of a security device on the safe.
Palestinian officials in the West Bank said they are sending representatives to Prague to assist Czech authorities in their investigation of the incident.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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