Explosion at Colombian Factory Kills 1, Injures 33

At least one woman died and 33 people were injured by an explosion at a gunpowder and fireworks factory in the Colombian municipality of Soacha, neighboring the capital Bogotá, authorities reported.

"Health authorities report 33 injured people and a woman who, unfortunately, lost her life," assured Juan Sánchez Perico, the town's mayor, on the social network X, providing an update on the overnight emergency response efforts.

The official had earlier informed journalists at the scene of "29 injured, two in critical condition," who were transferred to nearby hospitals.

The detonation, whose origin is under investigation, shook an industrial area of the populous town south of Bogotá at 4:38 pm local time, according to local media.

There were 150 workers at the affected factory who "were evacuated," the mayor said.

Aerial images shared showed emergency services fighting the fire inside the building with several tanker trucks.

"So far, 80% of the emergency is under control," Sánchez said, assuring that more than 280 rescuers are at the site.

The authorities of the neighboring capital mobilized to Soacha a team of "19 firefighters, 2 fire engines, 2 tanker trucks and 1 hazardous materials machine" to assist with the work, specified Mayor Luis Carlos Galán on X.

"The evaluation of 540 residential units, some of which were affected by glass breakage, at least as a structural change, is also being carried out. This task will be carried out by the Municipal Risk Management Council," said Alvaro Farfan, Cundinamarca Fire Department Delegate.

According to videos posted on social media by residents of the area, the explosion caused an enormous column of smoke rising over the town.

The windows of nearby homes were destroyed, as shown in other footage by firefighters.