Overview
- A machine working on MetroGAS network renewal ruptured a distribution pipe in central Remedios de Escalada on Friday morning, causing a powerful explosion that ignited a large commercial fire.
- Emergency crews triaged and transported about 20 injured people to local hospitals, with five patients reported in serious condition due to severe burns.
- Firefighters from Lanús and neighboring districts, Defensa Civil and health teams established a security perimeter, fought ongoing flames and evacuated nearby homes, a school, a geriatric facility and a disability care home that moved 96 people to safety.
- MetroGAS confirmed the damage occurred during renewal works and the case was assigned to Unidad Fiscal de Instrucción N.º 6 to investigate whether operational errors or safety protocol failures contributed to the rupture.
- The blast destroyed at least one business, damaged vehicles and left neighbors alarmed after many reported a strong smell of gas beforehand, raising questions about safety controls for gas works in dense urban commercial areas.