New details have emerged following an explosion in the southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër that killed Beqir Devolli and injured Erigers Mela. Preliminary suspicions suggest that the explosive device planted in their vehicle may have been detonated remotely using a mobile phone, according to initial reports.

The explosion occurred at around 10 p.m. on Saturday on “18 Shtatori” Boulevard, near the Gjirokastër Court.

Devolli, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the blast, died in the early hours of Sunday while being urgently transported to the Trauma Hospital in Tirana. He had sustained severe injuries in the explosion.

Mela, who was also inside the vehicle, was injured but is reportedly out of life-threatening danger.

According to preliminary information, Devolli had not reported any known ongoing conflicts. He was convicted in 2012 for the illegal transportation of migrants. His family lives in a village in the Gjirokastër region, while he reportedly spent most of his time in Tirana.

The motive behind the suspected targeted attack remains unclear.

Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion, determine how the explosive device may have been triggered, and identify those responsible for placing it.