Firefighters battling the aftermath of a devastating explosion near Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, found additional bodies on Wednesday, increasing the death count to 13, according to officials.
As recovery efforts continue, officials anticipate the death toll to rise, given the inability to fully explore the San Cristobal bakery where the explosion erupted on Monday.
The city of San Cristobal sits adjacent to the west of Santo Domingo.
Ongoing search and recovery efforts
Reports are that 10 individuals are still unaccounted for. Their distressed relatives and friends are voicing their frustration outside medical and mortuary facilities, lamenting the lack of information being provided.
Jaissy Capellán, representing the Emergency Operations Center’s media department, confirmed to The Associated Press that the two newly discovered victims were retrieved from the debris early on Wednesday.
As the city grieves, investigators are delving into potential causes of the explosion, pledging to identify and penalize any enterprises potentially flouting safety standards.
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In a press conference held late Wednesday, Juan Manuel Méndez, the head of the Emergency Operations Center, addressed rumors that an unauthorized factory might have been in operation at the site.
He asserted that the ongoing investigation would unveil any such misconduct.
He said that the outcome of the investigation will determine if any wrongdoing occurred, and affirmed their readiness to enfoce the law.
The catastrophic explosion, which took place in a lively business district at the heart of the city, inflicted injuries on at least 59 individuals.
The repercussions of the blast were felt extensively, leveling four structures and harming nine more.
Reports are that over 30 victims are presently receiving medical attention for a range of injuries, from fractures and burns to respiratory complications.
The aftermath also saw two firefighters seeking treatment due to smoke exposure.
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