Deadly Explosion Rocks Market Area in the Dominican Republic

Powerful Explosion Rocks Market Area in Dominican Republic, Killing Three and Injuring Dozens

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A powerful explosion shook a bustling market area near the capital of the Dominican Republic on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and leaving more than 30 others injured as chaos ensued and people attempted to flee, according to authorities.

The explosion took place at a bakery in the city of San Cristobal, located just west of Santo Domingo, as confirmed by the country’s 911 system in a statement.

The aftermath of the explosion was marked by charred cars and debris from collapsed buildings lining the streets. Thick, black smoke engulfed several blocks in the city center, leading businesses to evacuate while crowds gathered to capture the scene on film. Some witnesses initially believed it was a bomb or an earthquake.

Among the wreckage were shoes, overturned chairs, and even a motorcycle helmet.

The cause of the explosion, which occurred in the afternoon, remains unclear. Officials stated that it sparked a fire that quickly spread from the bakery to a hardware store next door and a nearby furniture store.

The affected area, known as the “Old Marketplace,” is a popular spot where people shop daily for a variety of goods, ranging from fruits to clothes. The victims of the explosion include a 4-month-old baby who died from a head injury and two adults whose bodies were 90% burned, according to a statement from Dr. Mario Lama, director of the National Health Service. A local bank confirmed that one of its female employees also lost her life in the incident.

Late Monday night, at least 39 people were reported injured, and the death toll is expected to rise. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, but they are unable to enter certain buildings due to safety concerns. As health officials announced the deaths of three individuals, civil defense authorities were seen removing the bodies of two people who were found on the street hours after the explosion.

“Our main objective here has been to safeguard the greatest number of human lives,” said Joel Santos, the minister of the presidency, during a news conference.

Dominican President Luis Abinader has dispatched a government team to San Cristobal, and officials have been providing assistance to the victims and their families since the incident occurred.

Pura Casilla, the governor of San Cristobal province, stated in an interview with Noticias SIN that the explosion took place in a commercial area and severely impacted businesses near the town center.

Late Monday night, firefighters were still working to extinguish the fire, and authorities ordered people to evacuate the area, warning that other buildings could collapse.

Government officials, including legislator Franklin Rodríguez, arrived at the scene. Rodríguez expressed concern for the health and safety of the people due to the heavy smoke still emanating from several buildings.

“These buildings are very weak,” he said.

Toll roads leading to San Cristobal were temporarily suspended to allow a greater number of ambulances to reach the area. Dozens of people rushed to nearby hospitals and clinics in search of their loved ones, with some individuals crying outside the main hospital while others offered comfort.

Eddy Montás, a local representative, informed Noticias SIN that he witnessed a couple of bodies in the area, in addition to the three deaths reported by authorities.

“We are saddened by what happened today,” he said.

San Cristobal, the birthplace of dictator Rafael Trujillo, experienced another explosion nearly 23 years ago. In October 2000, an arms depot exploded, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuring more than two dozen others, leading to the evacuation of thousands.

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

How is the local community responding to the aftermath of the explosion and assisting the injured victims

Rewritten:

A market area near the capital of the Dominican Republic was rocked by a powerful explosion on Monday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and leaving over 30 others injured. The blast occurred at a bakery in the city of San Cristobal, just west of Santo Domingo, according to the country’s 911 system.

After the explosion, the streets were filled with charred cars and debris from collapsed buildings. Thick, black smoke covered several blocks in the city center, causing businesses to evacuate and onlookers to gather and record the scene. Initial reports from witnesses suggested it might have been a bomb or an earthquake.

The cause of the explosion, which occurred in the afternoon, is still unknown. Authorities explained that it started a fire that quickly spread to a hardware store and a furniture store nearby.

The affected area, known as the “Old Marketplace,” is a popular shopping spot for a variety of goods. Among the victims of the explosion were a 4-month-old baby who died from a head injury, two adults with extensive burns, and a female employee from a local bank.

At least 39 people were reported injured late Monday night, and the death toll is expected to increase. Firefighters are still working to extinguish the blaze, but safety concerns prevent them from entering certain buildings. Health officials announced the deaths of three individuals, while civil defense authorities were seen removing the bodies of two more victims.