Santo Domingo.- The tragic incident at the Salcedo carnival has claimed yet another victim, with the passing of 15-year-old César Poland due to severe burns sustained during the event. With his untimely death, the toll from the tragic incident has risen to six, plunging the nation into mourning and sorrow.
César Poland succumbed to his injuries around 1:00 AM at the Robert Reid Cabral Hospital in Santo Domingo. He suffered significant burns across a large portion of his body during the preparations for the Los Toros carnival group show. The tragedy unfolded when a spark from a fireworks box ignited the paper costumes worn by members of the Los Toros and Toritos groups, resulting in burns for 18 individuals.
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This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for strengthened security and prevention measures at public gatherings and festivities. It is imperative for both authorities and event organizers to enforce stringent protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees. Measures such as prohibiting the presence of children at mass events should be considered and implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Furthermore, educating the public about the hazards associated with mishandling fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials is crucial. Increased awareness and individual responsibility are vital in preventing such devastating incidents.
In addition to César Poland, the victims of the Salcedo tragedy include children Adriel Leonardo (5 years old), Ángel Santos (9 years old), Joel Alexander Rodríguez (6 years old), and Aquiel Dilone (11 years old), as well as adult Henry Rosario Ortega (53 years old). According to medical reports, several other children remain in critical condition but are stable as they continue to fight for their lives.