Massive explosion destroys building in Uruguay, several injured

An explosion in a building in Villa Biarritz, in Punta Carretas, Montevideo, Uruguay, left several floors destroyed and had a collateral effect on nearby establishments.

Three people were referred to intensive care in serious condition, and five others sustained moderate injuries.

According to local media, several floors are destroyed in a building located on Calle Leyenda Patria e Hidalgos near the Rambla de Montevideo. The adjacent buildings also show the impact of the explosion on their facade.

“All the people who sustained injuries have been hospitalized,” said José Antonio Rodríguez, director of the Emergency Medical Care System (SAME), after a rescue operation to remove the people trapped in the building.

One of the people in serious condition was referred to the British Hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The other two are a married couple who received 40% and 80% burns on their body.

All the people affected are adults, and there are no minors affected, according to the police.

The authorities indicated that they have to wait to remove the debris to be able to determine the cause of the blast.

More: Uruguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.