Dominican Firefighters Discover Additional Bodies While Combating Fire Following This Week's Explosion; Death Toll Reaches 13

 

Firefighters, grappling with the challenge of quelling a fire ignited by a fatal explosion close to the Dominican Republic's capital earlier this week, have uncovered two additional bodies. This somber discovery has elevated the death toll to 13.

Amid the ongoing struggle to suppress a fire triggered by a fatal explosion near the Dominican Republic's capital earlier this week, two more bodies were discovered by firefighters on Wednesday, thereby increasing the death toll to 13, as authorities confirmed.

The count of casualties is anticipated to rise due to the constrained access responders face to the site of the explosion that transpired on Monday at a bakery in the city of San Cristobal, located just west of the capital, Santo Domingo.

Tragically, an additional 10 individuals remain unaccounted for. Frustrated and anguished, their friends and family gather outside hospitals and morgues, expressing their displeasure over the lack of information being provided to them.

Jaissy Capellán, the press coordinator for the Emergency Operations Center, informed The Associated Press that the two newly recovered bodies were extracted from the debris early on Wednesday.

Concurrently, authorities are delving into the origins of the explosion, vowing to take strict action against any businesses that might have disregarded regulations.

During a news conference late Wednesday, Juan Manuel Méndez, the director of the Emergency Operations Center, indicated that if allegations concerning the operation of an unidentified factory in violation of the law prove accurate, the ongoing investigation would illuminate the matter.

"We will ascertain culpability through the investigation, and if any responsibility is found, we will pursue legal measures," he stated firmly.

The explosion, situated in a vibrant commercial district at the heart of the city, caused substantial devastation by leveling four structures and causing damage to nine others. The incident left no fewer than 59 individuals wounded, with injuries encompassing fractures, burns, and respiratory issues. Presently, over 30 individuals remain hospitalized while two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation.

The response to the catastrophe was swift, involving over 30 ambulances and approximately 500 personnel, which included both rescuers and officials.

Toxic smoke continues to envelop the site of the explosion, prompting health authorities to advocate the use of face masks for those in the vicinity.