'He asked for prayers because his work was very hard': Testimony After Explosion Kills Five

An explosion on a vessel in Nanawa, Paraguay, has resulted in the deaths of five workers, prompting an investigation by the Naval Prefecture and the Public Prosecutor's Office. The incident occurred in an area known as Beterete Kue, near Puerto Elsa.

As authorities work to determine the cause of the blast, relatives and close associates of the victims have shared details about the dangerous nature of their work. Diana de Ávalos, a pastor and friend of Carlos David Pérez, one of the deceased, described him as a hardworking and brave man who tragically met his death while working.

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He asked for prayers because his work was very hard.

De Ávalos recounted that Pérez often spoke about the risks involved in his job, particularly mentioning that he frequently worked without protection. He would ask the congregation for prayers, emphasizing how arduous and perilous his tasks were. "He asked for prayers because his work was very hard," she stated, adding that he often shared his experiences, which were distressing due to the lack of safety measures.

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We asked for prayer so that we would pray for him, because his work was very hard.

Aldo Ávalos, another pastor and family friend, confirmed that Pérez had mentioned performing cleaning tasks inside the barges. However, he could not confirm whether Pérez was using protective equipment at the time, noting that when he spoke with him, he appeared normally dressed. He did confirm, however, that Pérez habitually requested prayers for his safety before starting his workday, asking "that the Lord keep him safe."

The Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation into the incident. While the exact cause remains undetermined, officials are examining all aspects of the working conditions and will scrutinize whether existing safety protocols were properly implemented or adhered to.

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Always asked that the Lord keep him safe.