At least three people were killed and 39 injured in a large explosion on August 14 at a market in the bustling commercial province of San Cristobal, near the Dominican Republic's capital Santo Domingo.
The scene of destruction after an explosion at a market in San Cristobal province, near the capital Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on August 14, 2023. Photo: AP/TTXVN
The victims, including a four-month-old baby and two adults, suffered severe burns to 90 percent of their bodies, said Mario Lama, director of the National Health Service. The death toll is expected to rise as firefighters have not yet been able to reach some burning buildings.
According to 911 reports, the explosion occurred at a bakery and spread to a hardware store and a furniture store next door.
The incident happened in the afternoon (local time), in an area known as the "Old Market", where many people come to shop every day.
Images on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing above buildings and several burned-out vehicles at the scene. Some witnesses said they thought it was an earthquake or a bomb explosion.
The cause of the incident is currently unknown. Firefighters are still trying to extinguish the fire on the night of August 14. Local authorities have warned of the risk of house collapse in the area.
President Luis Abinader said a team of government officials had been sent to San Cristobal and was coordinating with local authorities to deal with the incident. Speaking to reporters, Congressman Franklin Rodríguez, a member of the team, expressed concern for the health and safety of residents as heavy smoke was still rising above some buildings.
Roads leading to San Cristobal were closed to allow more ambulances to rush to the scene, Rodríguez said. Dozens of people were hospitalized.
According to Baotintuc
Source
Comment (0)