Authorities say a strong explosion rocked a well-liked market space in a city close to the capital of the Dominican Republic, killing no less than two folks and injuring greater than two dozen others
ByMARTÍN ADAMES ALCÁNTARA and DÁNICA COTO Related Press
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A strong explosion rocked a well-liked market space in a city close to the capital of the Dominican Republic on Monday, killing no less than two folks and injuring greater than two dozen others, authorities stated.
The explosion occurred at a bakery within the city of San Cristobal, which lies simply west of Santo Domingo. Officers stated the hearth then unfold to a ironmongery shop situated subsequent door and a close-by furnishings retailer. It wasn’t instantly clear what brought about the explosion.
Charred vehicles and particles from a number of collapsed buildings lined the streets as thick black smoke rose from the city’s middle and prompted a number of companies to evacuate whereas crowds gathered to movie the incident.
The explosion occurred in an space often called “Outdated Market,” the place throngs of individuals store each day for items starting from fruits to garments.
The nation’s 911 system stated no less than two folks died. In the meantime, Pura Casilla, the governor of San Cristobal province, informed Noticias SIN that no less than 28 others have been injured. She informed the native TV station that the explosion occurred in a industrial space and tremendously affected companies close to the town middle.
Firefighters have been nonetheless battling the blaze early Monday night as authorities ordered folks to clear the world, warning that different buildings may collapse.
Authorities officers arrived on scene, together with legislator Franklin Rodríguez, who informed native media he was fearful about folks’s well being and security given the heavy smoke nonetheless streaming from a number of buildings.
“These buildings are very weak,” he stated.
He added that toll roads resulting in San Cristobal have been suspended to permit a higher variety of ambulances into the world, with dozens of individuals dashing to close by hospitals and clinics to seek for family members. Some cried exterior the principle hospital as others hugged them for consolation.
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Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.