2013 Rosario gas explosion

2013 Rosario gas explosion

A gas explosion caused by a large gas leak occurred in Rosario, the third-largest city in Argentina, on August 6, 2013. Twenty-two people died, and sixty were injured. Primary suspects were Litoral Gas and an employee who carried out maintenance work at the building.

About 2013 Rosario gas explosion in brief

Summary 2013 Rosario gas explosionA gas explosion caused by a large gas leak occurred in a residential area of Rosario, the third-largest city in Argentina, on August 6, 2013. Twenty-two people died, and sixty were injured. The provincial judiciary launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Primary suspects were Litoral Gas and an employee who carried out maintenance work at the building that day. A 65-year-old woman who had been injured died on October 8, 2013, after a long battle with multiple organ failure and multiple organ transplants. The time needed for reconstruction was estimated at six months, and many people lost their homes in the aftermath of the blast. The judge suggested that the employees might not bear sole responsibility, and that the liability of Litorsal Gas had to be investigated as well. The court agreed in a 2–1 vote to remove Javier Beltramone, who was replaced by Patricia Bilotta, and the case was transferred to the court of appeals, where it is still ongoing. The trial of Carlos Osvaldo García, an employee of the department responsible for gas service to the area, ended on August 13, with 20-22 people confirmed dead.

The prosecution conducted a search and seizure at the offices of Litorals Gas to confirm the absence of customer complaints about the gas leak. Neighbors reported to the press that they had smelled a gas leak several hours before the explosion and had called Litorl Gas. Company director José María González said that the company had received no such calls, and thought that callers might have dialed the 911 emergency number instead. The building was not destroyed by the explosion, but a high risk of structural failure remained. A nearby nine-story apartment building was severely damaged, causing it to collapse. The streets were covered with broken glass from damaged buildings. Gas and electricity were immediately disconnected and the national government sent an Argentine Federal Police task force to the scene. Most of the candidates for the 2013 primary elections suspended their political campaigns.