At least three people were killed and 3 injured in a massive explosion on August 39 at a market in the busy commercial province of San Cristobal, near the Dominican Republic's capital Santo Domingo.
The site of rubble after an explosion at a market in the province of San Cristobal, near the capital Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on August 14, 8. Photo: AP/VNA
National Health Agency director Mario Lama said the victims, including a 4-month-old baby and two adults, both suffered severe burns to 2% of their bodies. The death toll is expected to continue to rise as firefighters are currently unable to reach some of the burning buildings.
According to the 911 system, the explosion occurred at a bakery shop, spread to a hardware store and a furniture store next door.
The incident happened in the afternoon (local time), in the area known as the "Old Market", where many people come to shop every day.
Photos on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing above buildings and vehicles burned at the scene. Several witnesses said they thought it was an earthquake or a bomb blast.
The cause of the incident is unknown at this time. Firefighters were still trying to put out the fire overnight. Local authorities warned of the risk of building collapse at the scene.
President Luis Abinader said he had sent a team of government officials to San Cristobal and was coordinating with local authorities to handle the case. Speaking to the press, Congressman Franklin Rodríguez, a member of the above officials, expressed concern for the health and safety of people's lives because large smoke is still rising above some buildings.
According to Rodríguez, roads leading to San Cristobal were closed to allow more ambulances to move quickly to the scene. Dozens of people have been hospitalized.
According toBaotintuc
