Dominican Republic. At least 27 people were killed and 59 injured in the blast

A powerful explosion of uncertain origin in a shopping area in the southern Dominican Republic’s San Cristobal province has killed at least 27 people, including a child, as well as injured 59 and left a dozen missing. A new report by authorities issued on Wednesday August 16, 2023.

The explosion rocked the shopping area of ​​San Cristóbal, capital of the province of the same name, at around 3:10pm (7:10pm GMT) on Monday. She then built a fire, over which a huge plume of smoke rose.

“The windows of the house moved so violently that I thought it was an earthquake”A witness told the newspaper List’s diary. “I thought they were going to break”.

The blast of the explosion was felt about 500m away. Nine buildings were gutted and four partially burnt due to fire caused by the blast.

The shock wave shook several buildings, including a hardware store, a veterinary clinic and a public ministry building. At this time, it is not possible to determine exactly where the explosion occurred. Many vehicles were burnt to ashes.

Deputy Director of Civil Defense, Delfin Antonio Rodriguez, pointed out that the fire “90% containment, fire under control”He pointed out that openings have been made in the building “turn off” Absolutely on fire. 500 members of the emergency services are involved in these operations.

The latest report starts from Wednesday afternoon. General Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center (CEO), made the announcement during a televised press conference.

Photos of the missing people along with the phone numbers of their loved ones are going viral on social media.

“In this type of situation, when tragedy strikes, when bodies need to be identified, it takes time.”Mr. Mendes said.

Govt “To respond proportionately to this terrible tragedy”Dominican President Luis Abinador said at a memorial service for the victims on Wednesday. He announced the measures for that “Economically look after all businesses” Damage and particularly flexible financial solutions from public and private banks.

However, he did not disclose any amount.

“This is an event that affects all of us, we are very shocked and very saddened”he added.

An investigation was conducted

Dominican authorities declared a day of national mourning on Wednesday after the explosion, the cause of which is unknown.

The investigation has already started. According to local press, the area has been militarized and the security perimeter has been extended.

Officials have assured that a parking lot will be constructed in this area. As a result, most of the premises in the mall were found empty.

“There used to be a hardware store. […] And a machine exploded where we handle plastic. There are chemicals”Without giving further details, Mr. Rodriguez explained.

About 500 members of the security forces, civil defense and fire departments are stationed in the area, the Dominican government said. Dog units are used to search for survivors under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

Of the ten million people in the Dominican Republic, which shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, San Cristóbal is the country’s fourth most populous province, with nearly 700,000 people. The city of San Cristóbal is less than 30 kilometers from the capital, Santo Domingo.