Barbecues, Nariño – June 10, 2024 – An explosion during a religious celebration in the Imbangui village, rural area of Barbacoas, left 15 people injured, including three minors. The incident was caused by an overload in the batteries of the power generators used for the event.
The incident occurred at 9:30 pm on June 9, 2024, when the power generators installed in the Imbangui village exploded due to overload. According to the preliminary version of the Barbacoas authorities, the excess load of the solar panels caused a rebound in the sidewalk’s electrical system.
The inhabitants of the area reported that during the day there was a blackout and, when the electricity flow was restored, the solar panel system could not withstand the excess energy, causing the batteries to explode. The explosion left four people seriously injured, including three minors.
The Secretary of the Government of Nariño, Benildo Estupiñán Solís, said: “We are asking the authorities to clarify the facts and provide priority care to those affected.”
The injured were taken to the Tumaco Hospital, where the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff cares for the most seriously injured, while the other 11 injured, who suffered minor burns, blows and cuts, are out of danger.
The community thanked the health authorities for the prompt care provided to the injured while the ambulances arrived. However, they called on the department’s government to improve access roads, since recent high rainfall has caused landslides, making it difficult to address the incident.
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