A massive explosion rocked a market in San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic, killing three people and injuring dozens of others while also causing panic and disrupting businesses and traffic.

At least three people have been confirmed dead, including two adults and one our-month-old baby. The two adults who died reportedly suffered burns on 90% of their bodies, as revealed by the Dominican Republic's National Health Service on Monday.

The Dominican Republic government also confirmed that 39 people have also been injured in the explosion, which occurred in San Cristobal, west of the country's capital Santo Domingo. The death toll is also expected to rise, according to local officials, as rescue operations continue.

Reuters reported that images of the disaster have already made its rounds on social media. These images showed several cars being charred as a result of the Dominican Republic explosion, as well as smoke rising from buildings in the city's usually busy commercial district.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader took to social media and assured citizens that he had already sent a team to San Cristobal. He also stated that he is coordinating with local authorities in the affected city.

Dominican Republic Explosion Originated From a Bakery

The Monday explosion happened in an area that locals call the "Old Marketplace." It was a busy market district where people usually buy daily goods, including food and clothing.

According to the Associated Press, the explosion itself started at a bakery in the "Old Marketplace" before spreading to the hardware store next door, as well as a nearby furniture store.

The blast caused much panic in the area as businesses were forced to evacuate while thick black smoke rose from where the explosion took place. Several residents initially thought it was a bomb or an earthquake and took off in fear for their lives, leaving behind shoes, overturned chairs, and even a motorcycle helmet.

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Officials are still investigating what caused the blast, though they believe that it started when a spark came from the bakery and later spread into the nearby businesses.

Pura Casilla, the governor of San Cristobal province, confirmed that businesses near the town center have been affected by the blast. Meanwhile, several politicians and government officials rushed to the scene to help out. Many told local media that they were "worried about people's health and safety given the heavy smoke still streaming from several buildings."

"These buildings are very weak, said one official, legislator Franklin Rodríguez. The lawmaker added that toll roads leading to San Cristobal have already been suspended to that more ambulances could arrive in the area. As this happened, dozens of people rushed to nearby hospitals to look for loved ones.

Rescue Efforts Continue Following Deadly Dominican Republic Explosion

Meanwhile, Crisis 24 reported that the specific area where the blast occurred was Judicial Court on Padre Borbon No. 15 Street. It warned that evacuations are continuing as emergency personnel rush to the scene.

Firefighters continue to struggle with fighting the blaze as they are unable to enter certain buildings. People have now been ordered to clear the area as authorities continue trying to put out fires caused by the explosion.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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