San Lorenzo, Paraguay – Families in the Paraguayan city of San Lorenzo are grappling with a devastating explosion that took place at a sausage factory, leaving one worker dead and 41 others injured. The incident has left a trail of sadness, helplessness, and some hope among the affected families.
The majority of the injured workers are currently being treated at the Ingavi Surgical Specialties Hospital in the town of Fernando de la Mora. According to a report released on Thursday, 17 patients were in the process of being discharged, nine were in critical condition in the intensive care unit, and three were under observation in a delicate state.
One of the affected workers is Nelson Vera, 41, who suffered burns to 80 percent of his body. His wife, Laureana Ponce, expressed the anguish of waiting for news about her husband, who is fighting for his life. Another worker, Cristian Villalba, 29, remains intubated and sedated after suffering ammonia inhalation poisoning that affects the lungs.
Tragically, 24-year-old Gustavo Notario did not survive the explosion, leaving behind a six-year-old daughter. The devastating impact of the incident has left families grappling with the emotional and financial burden resulting from the tragedy.
The company representative, Johannes van der Low, has pledged to provide support in the medical, financial, and psychological areas for the affected workers and their families. Meanwhile, investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, with authorities working to determine if the tank exploded due to tampering or failure.
The community remains deeply affected by the incident, with the surroundings of the factory cordoned off and the lingering smell of ammonia in the air. Prosecutor Gerardo Mosqueira stressed the severity of the event, emphasizing that it is the first time in 70 years that such a tragic explosion has occurred at the factory.