Buenaventura Free Trade Zone Tank Explosion Injures Two; Separate Grenade Blast Kills One

An explosion at the Celpa Free Trade Zone in Buenaventura, Colombia, on July 21 left two individuals with burns. The incident occurred when a tank containing flammable liquids, suspected to be alcohol, detonated. Authorities are investigating the cause, with initial reports suggesting a chemical reaction triggered the blast. The explosion also damaged windows at the facility and affected vehicles in the vicinity.

Emergency services evacuated the area while firefighters worked to extinguish the resulting fire. The two injured individuals were transported to Santa Sofía clinic in Buenaventura for treatment.

In a separate event on the same day in rural Buenaventura, a suspected fragmentation grenade exploded, resulting in one fatality and one injury. Police reported that one person arrived at Santa Sofía clinic with shrapnel wounds. Upon investigation at the scene, officers discovered a deceased man. According to police, preliminary findings suggest one of the individuals was handling an explosive device, leading to its detonation. The deceased individual had prior judicial records for rebellion and illegal possession of firearms.