Fatal barge explosion: Victims shared lunch together one day before their deaths
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Five workers died in a fatal barge explosion in Villa Hayes, Paraguay, on July 5, 2026.
- The victims, identified as Ever Nilson Sosa Rotela, Simón Díaz González, Giovani Samuel Amarilla Alegre, Jesús Alberto Miranda Lovera, and Carlos David Pérez Morínigo, were friends who shared a passion for football.
- Families and friends are mourning their loss and demanding authorities clarify the circumstances of the explosion and improve safety measures.
A tragic explosion aboard a barge on the Paraguay River has claimed the lives of five workers, plunging their families and friends into grief. The incident occurred on July 5, 2026, near the Costanera Sur in Asunción. The victims, identified as Ever Nilson Sosa Rotela, 26; Simón Díaz González, 34; Giovani Samuel Amarilla Alegre, 24; Jesús Alberto Miranda Lovera, 28; and Carlos David Pérez Morínigo, 31, were not only colleagues but also close friends who shared a passion for football. A poignant photograph shared on social media shows the five men smiling and relaxed during a lunch together just one day before the fatal explosion, a stark reminder of their camaraderie and the suddenness of their loss. Friends and family have expressed their shock and sorrow online, with one post lamenting, "And to think that yesterday they had lunch together and today God took all 5 to be with his angels." The close-knit group was remembered for their strong bonds and shared moments, including their involvement in the Sport Nanawa football club. As authorities investigate the cause of the explosion, there are growing calls for clarity and accountability. Many are questioning the safety conditions under which the workers operated and demanding that relevant institutions intervene to prevent future accidents. "No one explains how the explosion happened... it's not the first time it's happened but no one ever took precautions or safety measures. Nobody cares if someone dies... only the families are left with a lifelong emptiness because a part of them also dies," commented one individual, reflecting a broader concern about workplace safety and the perceived lack of action in preventing such tragedies.
And to think that yesterday they had lunch together and today God took all 5 to be with his angels.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.