Death toll rises to 11 in powerful explosion near the Dominican Republic’s capital; 10 still missing

By MARTÍN ADAMES ALCÁNTARA and DÁNICA COTO
Associated Press

SAN CRISTOBAL, Dominican Republic (AP) — Authorities say the death toll from a powerful explosion near the capital of the Dominican Republic has risen to 11 as firefighters are searching through the smoldering rubble. More than 50 people were injured in Monday’s explosion at a bustling commercial center in the city of San Cristobal. It is located just west of Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. Authorities said 10 other people are missing and that firefighters are still trying to extinguish the fire. The explosion occurred Monday at a bakery. Authorities are investigating what might have caused the explosion and vowed to take action if a business was not operating to proper standards.