The Dominican Republic Red Cross issued a statement on Tuesday, August 15, reporting on the devastating explosion that took place in San Cristobal, in the southern part of the country, which has resulted in a shocking number of victims. So far, the confirmed death toll stands at 12 people with 65 injured, plunging the community into mourning and concern.

The consequences of this tragic event extend beyond human losses, as the Red Cross also reports that there are 55 missing persons. The magnitude of the explosion caused the total collapse of three structures and left over 140 people homeless, creating a humanitarian crisis in the area.

In an initial report, it was revealed that over twenty rescue teams responded to the emergency call in San Cristobal, where the explosion occurred on the past Monday. The National Emergency Response and Security System 9-1-1 confirmed that the tragedy affected dozens of people, who suffered injuries and other traumatic effects.

Dr. Mario Lama, director of the National Health Service (SNS), initially pointed out that the explosion had resulted in at least 3 fatalities and 33 injured individuals. The severity of the incident mobilized elements from the Traffic and Land Transport Security Directorate, as well as the National Police, who cordoned off the area and provided assistance to the affected citizens. The injured were transported to various medical centers while more than 12 fire units worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion.

Despite the deployed efforts, authorities have yet to determine the cause of this devastating explosion that has inflicted severe damages on several structures.