Fire Destroys Boats at Papaya Beach, Leaving Multiple Injuries and Panic in the Community
On Friday afternoon, a fire broke out in front of Papaya Beach at Unzué Park, destroying four boats that were docked there. The flames ignited when two individuals tried to start one of the boats, leading to an explosion. The blast was heard several kilometers away, raising concerns among the local population.
As a result of the explosions and the fire, six people were injured. Four suffered burns, one was affected by carbon dioxide poisoning, and another experienced dehydration. All injured individuals were urgently transported to Centenario Hospital, where one burn victim was in serious condition and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. This person suffered burns over at least 30% of their body, affecting vital organs, including the respiratory system.
Upon arrival, this critical patient was intubated and rushed to the ICU for stabilization. Medical staff began arrangements for the patient’s transfer to the Burn Institute in Buenos Aires. Among the other three burn victims, one had minor injuries; another was a rescue worker who came to assist and sustained light injuries; the last was the owner of one of the boats who tried to extinguish the flames but also received minor burns.
The individual suffering from carbon dioxide poisoning was a police officer who assisted at the scene. The person with dehydration was a volunteer firefighter. Due to the severity of the explosion, Dr. Pablo Alfaro, the Deputy Secretary of Health, arrived at the site. He set up a triage and first aid station to treat the injured.
What actions were taken by emergency responders during the Papaya Beach fire incident?
Interview with Dr. Pablo Alfaro, Deputy Secretary of Health, Following the Papaya Beach Fire Incident
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Alfaro. Can you start by telling us what you experienced when you heard the explosion at Papaya Beach?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: Thank you for having me. I was at home when I heard a tremendous explosion. It was so loud that my windows shook. Instinct kicked in, and I rushed to the scene to see how I coudl assist.
News directory 3: Once you arrived, what was your immediate response?
Dr. pablo Alfaro: Upon arrival, I quickly assessed the situation. It was clear there were injured people who needed immediate medical attention. I set up a triage and frist aid station right away to provide care while ambulances were en route to transport the most critically injured.
News Directory 3: Can you describe the level of injuries that you encountered?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: We had six injured individuals, with varying degrees of severity. One patient, a burn victim, was in serious condition with burns covering at least 30% of their body, affecting vital organs, especially the respiratory system. We intubated him and rushed him to the ICU for stabilization and preparation for transfer to the Burn Institute in Buenos Aires.
News Directory 3: How did the first aid station help manage the situation initially?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: the first aid station was crucial. We managed to provide immediate care to others as well. A hypertensive boat owner experienced a mild episode when he arrived, and we were able to assist him right away. The quick establishment of the station helped manage the situation effectively while awaiting ambulances.
News Directory 3: What was the community’s response like during the incident?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: The community’s spirit was remarkable. We had volunteer firefighters, police officers, and even bystanders stepping in to help. They all worked in unity, showcasing a great sense of camaraderie during a very stressful situation.
News Directory 3: How long did it take to control the fire and ensure the safety of the area?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: The fire was brought under control around 9:45 PM. Our brave volunteers worked tirelessly, and while the first aid station was later dismantled, some firefighters stayed behind to ensure the area remained safe and to clean up, preventing the fire from reigniting.
News Directory 3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Alfaro. Before we conclude, is there anything else you would like to add regarding the incident?
Dr. Pablo Alfaro: I want to commend everyone who was involved in the response — from medical staff to volunteers — for their quick actions and dedication. It was a community effort,and without their help,the situation could have been much worse.
News Directory 3: Thank you again for your time and for your critically important work during this incident.
“I heard the explosion from my house. It was so loud that all the windows shook. I immediately came over to see how I could help,” Alfaro said. He decided to create an emergency station to provide immediate medical care to victims as ambulances transported the most seriously injured, including the burn victim in critical condition.
Thanks to this first aid station, another boat owner, who is hypertensive, received immediate assistance after experiencing a mild episode when he arrived at the scene. The fire was finally controlled by 9:45 PM. The first aid station was dismantled, but some volunteer firefighters remained to clean up and prevent the fire from reigniting.
Four teams of volunteer firefighters, four ambulances, members of the Argentine Coast Guard, and local police worked together at the scene. Additionally, medical professionals attended to the victims.