No victims after fire at L&R Comercial store

A major fire swept through a large section of the L&R Comercial store on Las Américas Avenue in Santo Domingo Este on Saturday, but authorities confirmed there were no human casualties. Mayor Dio Astacio highlighted the swift intervention of emergency services, which prevented any loss of life or injuries despite the scale of the incident.

The alarm was raised to the National System of Attention to Emergencies and Security 9-1-1 at 1:30 p.m. Within thirteen minutes, at 1:43 p.m., the first response units arrived at the scene to combat the flames. While firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, videos circulating on social media showed numerous individuals entering the store and taking appliances and other items.

Authorities reported the arrest of at least 17 people for allegedly stealing merchandise from the establishment during the chaos of the fire. The rapid response of emergency crews was crucial in controlling the situation and minimizing damage, though the extent of property loss is still being assessed.