This Thursday, firefighters had been working tirelessly for more than nine continuous hours to put out the fire that affects the facilities of the Katae companydedicated to the manufacturing of packaging and plastic products, in the municipality of Haina.
After 10:00 in the morning, the general quartermaster of the Haina Fire Department, Alfonso Vazquezreported that the incident had been controlled in a 50%and that the brigades were working since 1:00 in the morning, after the emergency was reported through the National Emergency Assistance and Security System 9-1-1.
Vázquez explained that they initially went to the scene with four units—B1, B3, B4 and T1—and upon arrival they confirmed that the fire was out of control. To date, no reports have been made injured people nor deceased.
Participation of firefighters and support units
They participate in the work 85 firefighterswith the support of units from the National District, Santo Domingo Oeste, Yaguate, Palenque, San Cristóbal, Nigua and Los Alcarrizos, in a broad inter-municipal operation to contain the flames.
The mayor explained that the fire originated in the area of resin storagehighly flammable material, which complicated the extinguishing tasks. At the time of the incident, night shift employees were at the plant, but they were evacuated preventively, avoiding victims.
Critical moments during the fire
One of the moments of greatest tension occurred around 3:15 in the morning, when the authorities concentrated their efforts on isolating some 7,500 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stored in the company.
“The biggest concern At 3:15 in the morning there were about 7,500 gallons of LPG that were stored, which were isolated and suffocated and did not explode,” Vázquez explained.
During the morning, a dense column of smoke It continued to be visible from different parts of the municipality, while dozens of curious onlookers approached the area to observe the situation.
The authorities maintain active efforts to achieve complete control of the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby companies. The causes of the accident have not yet been established and will be determined through technical research.
Meanwhile, company workers reported that They will not offer statements to the press for the moment.
