Ciudad del Este shopping mall fire causes significant damage in Curridabat

A major fire broke out at the Ciudad del Este shopping mall in Curridabat, San José, on Saturday morning. The blaze, reported around 9:30 a.m., primarily affected the third level of the commercial complex.

Initial reports indicate the fire consumed between 600 and 1,200 square meters of the facility. The flames heavily impacted the entertainment sector, specifically destroying the Kids Adventure indoor playground and affecting the Nova Cinemas area. Nova Cinemas has announced that its facilities at the mall will remain closed until further notice, though ticket holders can use their passes at other locations.

Emergency services, including the Costa Rican Fire Department (Cuerpo de Bomberos) and the Red Cross, responded with approximately 10 to 16 units and dozens of personnel. Firefighters managed to control the blaze by late morning, preventing it from spreading to the entire 6,000 to 8,000 square meter structure. No fatalities or injuries were reported, though one individual received medical attention for a nervous crisis.

Authorities have closed access to the mall and surrounding roads, including the roundabout connecting to the Florencio del Castillo highway, to allow for structural inspections and to ensure public safety while investigators determine the cause of the fire.