The Civil Defense reported this Sunday night that at least 18 people were affected by a fire after the manipulation of fireworks prior to the start of the Salcedo carnival. Among the injured are 10 minors.

People were affected when their costumes caught fire.

The agency indicated that, due to the severity of the burns, 14 of the injured were transferred to the Ney Arias Lora trauma hospital and the Robert Read Cabral children's hospital in Santo Domingo and to the Arturo Grullón pediatric hospital in Santiago.

A source revealed to Diario Libre that those admitted to the Arturo Grullón are in serious or critical condition with assisted ventilation.

Before being transferred to Santiago and Santo Domingo, the minors and some adults received their first care at the Dr. Grullón de Salcedo private medical center. Unofficially, it was reported that the injured had second and third degree burns .

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred with the manipulation of fireworks in one of the caves where the participants were and their suits caught fire.

In several videos uploaded to social networks, those affected on fire are seen being helped by people who were trying to put out the fire.

A social media user, identified as Marlen Estrella, wrote on her account: “A tragedy has just happened in my town, today is the closing of the Salcedo 2024 carnival , in one of the caves some fireworks caused a fire, this cave was full of boys and girls dressed up and not. They are currently in very poor health. Some have been transferred to specialized burn centers . “Our prayers and solidarity in the face of this misfortune in the midst of the most popular and joyful festival in my beloved land.”

Relief agencies, such as the Fire Department, the Civil Defense and the Red Cross, intervened after receiving the emergency call at the place where the tragic event occurred.