A somber event unfolded as the death toll reached 10 following a catastrophic explosion near the capital of the Dominican Republic. In the wake of this tragedy, firefighters are tirelessly sifting through the smoldering wreckage while authorities grapple with the aftermath.
The explosion, which took place on a Monday at a bustling commercial center in San Cristobal, a city just west of Santo Domingo, resulted in over 50 people sustaining injuries. As of now, 36 of those injured individuals are still under medical care in various hospitals, according to Joel Santos, the Minister of the Presidency.
Local media reports indicate that an additional 11 individuals remain unaccounted for. The Health Minister, Daniel Rivera, has noted that accessing the explosion site, referred to as “ground zero,” is challenging due to ongoing fires.
Initial information from the country’s emergency hotline suggests that the blast originated from a bakery in the heart of the city’s vibrant area known as the “Old Marketplace.” This hub attracts people seeking an array of goods, from fresh produce to clothing. The fire quickly spread to nearby establishments, including a hardware store and a furniture shop.
Heartbreakingly, among the victims were a 4-month-old infant who succumbed to head trauma and a bank employee. Heart-wrenching stories have emerged, such as that of José Ramón Ramírez Rivera, owner of a local veterinary clinic, who anxiously awaits news of a missing employee.
Ramírez Rivera recounted his terrifying experience, sharing: “An office wall collapsed on me, leaving me struggling for breath.”
As smoke continues to envelop the city center, authorities strongly urge residents to wear face masks due to the potentially hazardous chemicals in the smoke. Health Minister Rivera pledges to conduct comprehensive checks, going door to door to ensure citizens have access to masks and to assess any respiratory or skin-related concerns.
“The initial 24 hours are crucial,” Rivera stressed, noting the range of injuries sustained, from burns to fractures and respiratory problems.
President Luis Abinader is set to visit the scene later today as efforts persist to contain the flames amid the backdrop of collapsed structures and charred vehicles.
Minister Santos announced an official investigation is underway to determine if the business at the center of the explosion adhered to proper regulations. Currently, the cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities have yet to provide an initial assessment of the extent of the damages.
Santos acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating in a press conference, “Tragically, these disasters demand a prioritized response: safeguard lives, protect assets, extinguish the incident, and subsequently evaluate the extent of the damage.”
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San Cristobal, historically linked to dictator Rafael Trujillo, experienced a similar tragedy almost 23 years ago. In October 2000, an explosion originating from an arms depot claimed the lives of at least two individuals and injured over two dozen others. The incident led to the evacuation of thousands of residents.
