Blast in Dominican Republic kills 2, injures dozens

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A powerful explosion rocked downtown San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic on Monday, killing at least two people and injuring several others.

Local media reports said at least 20 people suffered burns and others are trapped in collapsed buildings. Several people have been transferred to the San Cristobal Clinic.

The blast occurred in a market area in San Cristobal located near the city's judicial court

Authorities believe it was a gasoline explosion which occurred in an establishment located near a shopping center. It caused the collapse of several buildings and the destruction of several vehicles.

The San Cristobal fire department is extinguishing the flames and Air Force helicopters are transporting victims to specialized hospitals. Clinics are asking doctors, surgeons and burn specialists for support.