A gas cylinder caused a huge explosion at a petrol station where at least one person has been confirmed dead.
Shocking images show damaged buildings and vehicles as the blast zone is enveloped in thick smoke.
Immediately after the explosion, the authorities said seven people had been injured.
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However, less than an hour later, the number of injured had increased to 22 and one person was confirmed as killed.
Many more suffered minor injuries and noise-induced hearing loss.
The gas explosion took place at a Primax petrol station in Villa María del Triunfo near Lima in Peru on Monday (20 May) afternoon.
A spokesperson for the gas company GESA said the blast happened during a “refilling process of compressed natural gas cylinders” at their charging station.
The shockwave damaged nearby homes, shops and vehicles.
Emergency workers cordoned off the immediate area to deal with the aftermath and the fire department advised nearby residents to evacuate their homes due to further risk of explosion.
Locals reported the strong smell of gas several miles from the blast zone.
The situation was eventually brought under control around midnight, as reported by Need to Know.
The authorities later said the explosion had been caused by the “mishandling” of a 46kg (101lb) gas cylinder.
The investigation continues.
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