A tragic explosion rocked the town of San Cristóbal in the Dominican Republic, claiming the lives of over two dozen people, including a four-month-old baby, according to BBC.

The death toll rose from 11 to 25 as search and rescue efforts continued to locate survivors amidst the devastation. The blast occurred in the town's commercial area, with the cause of the explosion still unknown.

Smoke and flames from the explosion engulfed the town for hours, creating a scene of destruction and chaos.

President Luis Abinader visited the site and assured the public that every effort was being made to locate missing individuals.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames in the aftermath of the explosion.

The blast, which occurred on Monday afternoon, caused significant damage to buildings in the town's center, including a hardware shop, a veterinary clinic, and a plastics factory.

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Authorities Investigate the Cause of Dominican Republic Explosion

Authorities are diligently investigating the cause of the explosion and have pledged to act against any businesses found to have not followed regulations, AP reports.

Ito Bisonó, the minister of industry and commerce, confirmed that there were no tanks in the area. He expressed the magnitude of the explosion and emphasized the ongoing investigation.

Officials are addressing allegations that an unidentified factory may have been operating illegally.

José Ramón Fadul Méndez, an official, stated that the investigation would determine if there was any culpability and assured that legal action would be taken if necessary.

The explosion resulted in at least 59 injuries, with over 30 people hospitalized due to various conditions such as fractures, burns, and respiratory issues.

Even firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation. Emergency responders, including over 30 ambulances and around 500 personnel, rushed to the scene to provide assistance.

Toxic smoke lingered over the explosion site, prompting health officials to recommend using face masks for protection.

The Dominican Republic Explosion

Authorities have reported that the explosion originated on Monday, initially starting as a fire near a bakery situated in the city of San Cristobal. This city is located west of the capital, Santo Domingo, per Al Jazeera.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, they have faced challenges in gaining complete access to the building where the explosion took place.

Families and friends of the victims expressed frustration at the lack of information provided to them outside hospitals and morgues.

The recent explosion has left the community mourning and grappling with the shock of the loss.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on discovering the cause of the Dominican Republic explosion and providing support to those affected by this devastating incident.

This tragic event echoes a similar explosion that occurred nearly 23 years ago. An arms depot explosion occurred in October 2000, resulting in casualties and injuries.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: At least 11 people are dead, dozens injured in explosion in Dominican Republic - From ABC News