Firefighters in Dominican Republic find more bodies in explosion’s aftermath

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

Authorities probe explosion

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

Police uncover meth lab in Trinidad, arrest Chinese national

A methamphetamine lab was uncovered in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, leading to the arrest of a Chinese national, according to police sources

The discovery resulted from an intelligence-driven operation carried out jointly by local authorities and United States law enforcement agencies

Reports are that the clandestine lab, discovered in an upscale residential area last Thursday, contained equipment, precursor chemicals, and a variety of crystal substances consistent with methamphetamine

Additionally, a significant amount of cash was found on the premises

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) continues its investigations and emphasizes its unyielding commitment to ensuring public safety

They encouraged the community’s cooperation in countering illegal activities, signaling their firm stance against the proliferation of synthetic drugs, which pose considerable societal risks

Emerging meth trends in Trinidad

Dr Randy Seepersad, head of the University of the West Indies (UWI) criminology department, commented on the situation with Guardian Media

He expressed concern over the emergence of a meth market in Trinidad This new drug trend, Seepersad noted, could bring about heightened violence, crime, increased healthcare burdens, and devastating impacts on families

He emphasized the challenges in detecting such illicit operations and warned of the potential spread of manufacturing knowledge and the subsequent societal dangers of widespread methamphetamine use