NewsWhore
06-05-2009, 06:10 PM
Liquid propane gas station Leon Gas, the scene of a massive explosion in Santo Domingo East at 12:30am on Thursday morning was not adequately equipped to provide services and didn't meet the proper legal requirements, investigators for the National Fire Department reported in the aftermath of the blast. The explosion caused injuries to at least 18 people and destroyed houses and businesses in surrounding areas.
Fire Brigade General Daniel de Jesus Garcia said that residential housing was located both opposite and behind the plant, which is not permitted by law.
According to de Jesus, the explosion propelled a large gas tank 150 meters in the air to land in the nearby Plaza Eva Maria. The blast also shattered windows in nearby apartments. Investigations into the causes of the explosion are under way. National Quality Control Department (DIGENOR) director Julio Santana said that two tanks, an 18,000-gallon and a 13,500-gallon tank, didn't have a sprinkler system installed. The system would have decreased room temperature, stopping a small fire and limiting the possibility of an explosion.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)
Fire Brigade General Daniel de Jesus Garcia said that residential housing was located both opposite and behind the plant, which is not permitted by law.
According to de Jesus, the explosion propelled a large gas tank 150 meters in the air to land in the nearby Plaza Eva Maria. The blast also shattered windows in nearby apartments. Investigations into the causes of the explosion are under way. National Quality Control Department (DIGENOR) director Julio Santana said that two tanks, an 18,000-gallon and a 13,500-gallon tank, didn't have a sprinkler system installed. The system would have decreased room temperature, stopping a small fire and limiting the possibility of an explosion.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#6)