Powerful Explosion in Dominican Republic Leaves 10 Dead and Dozens Injured
San Cristobal, Dominican Republic — A powerful explosion near the Dominican Republic’s capital has claimed the lives of 10 people and left dozens injured. Firefighters are currently searching through smoldering rubble, while distraught family members wait outside hospitals in search of their missing loved ones.
President Luis Abinader visited San Cristobal, located just west of Santo Domingo, to meet with those affected by the tragedy. He announced that an additional 11 people are still missing, and authorities are working tirelessly to extinguish the fire amidst collapsed buildings and charred vehicles.
“We’re doing everything humanly possible… to investigate the situation of the 11 missing,” President Abinader stated. “The search for survivors has been very difficult.”
The explosion occurred at a bustling commercial center in San Cristobal, known as the “Old Marketplace,” where people buy a variety of goods. The blast originated from a bakery and quickly spread to a hardware store and a nearby furniture store.
At least 10 people were killed and more than 50 were injured in Monday’s explosion, according to Joel Santos, the minister of the presidency. Of the injured, 36 remain hospitalized, said Health Minister Daniel Rivera. However, authorities have been unable to access the exact location of the explosion due to ongoing fires.
Estefani Alcántara, who was shopping with her family at the time of the explosion, shared her anguish as her uncle remains hospitalized with serious injuries and her aunt is still missing. “We don’t know if she’s dead or alive,” she said tearfully, expressing frustration, pain, and distress.
Among the victims were a 4-month-old baby who died from head trauma and a woman who worked at a bank, officials reported. José Ramón Ramírez Rivera, the owner of a local veterinary clinic, revealed that one of his employees is still missing. He recounted the terrifying experience of having an office wall fall on top of him, leaving him struggling to breathe.
Juan Jiménez, a farmer living several miles away from the explosion site, initially mistook the blast for thunder due to the usual storms in August. He now anxiously awaits news about his missing cousin, a 31-year-old professor.
Smoke continues to engulf the city center, prompting Rivera to urge everyone to wear face masks. He warned that the smoke is mixed with chemicals, posing additional health risks.
Rivera and other officials plan to go door to door to ensure that people have masks and to assess any respiratory or skin problems. Rivera also intends to visit patients at a local hospital where families are still searching for their loved ones.
In response to the tragedy, President Abinader announced that the government will establish two mobile hospitals to provide further treatment, including psychological services, to those affected.
Meanwhile, the government is launching an investigation to determine whether the business where the explosion occurred was operating under the proper regulations, according to Santos. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities have not yet provided an estimate of the damages.
“These catastrophes have an order of priority: save lives, save assets, ensure that the incident is extinguished, and then assess damage,” Santos emphasized during a news conference.
San Cristobal, the birthplace of former dictator Rafael Trujillo, experienced another explosion nearly 23 years ago when an arms depot detonated in October 2000. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least two people and injured more than two dozen others, leading to the evacuation of thousands.
Source: MARTÍN ADAMES ALCÁNTARA and DÁNICA COTO | Associated Press
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Is employees, a young woman named Maria, was also among the casualties. “She was a bright and kind-hearted person, always willing to help,” he said, his voice filled with sadness. “We will miss her deeply.”
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been a gas leak. Gas explosions are not uncommon in the Dominican Republic, due to outdated infrastructure and lax safety regulations. The government has promised a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and hold those responsible accountable.
As the community of San Cristobal mourns the loss of their loved ones and continues to support the injured, neighboring towns and cities have offered their assistance. Ambulances, medical supplies, and other resources have been sent to the area to help with the rescue and recovery efforts. Local businesses have also donated food, water, and shelter to those affected by the tragedy.
The explosion in San Cristobal serves as a devastating reminder of the importance of safety precautions and the need for stronger infrastructure. It is a wake-up call for the Dominican Republic to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and make necessary improvements to prevent similar disasters from happening in the future.
As the search for survivors and answers continues, the Dominican Republic is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. The loss of life and the extensive injuries suffered have left a lasting impact on the community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Oh no, this is so devastating! My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic incident.
I can’t believe this happened. My heart goes out to the victims and their families.