Mercado Modelo de Santiago fire destroys multiple commercial modules

A major fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the Mercado Modelo de Santiago in the Dominican Republic, specifically affecting the Plaza Lorenzo Vargas area. Preliminary reports from the Santiago Fire Department and municipal authorities indicate that between 14 and 17 commercial modules, primarily in the jewelry and variety sectors, were destroyed or heavily damaged by the flames.

Santiago Mayor Ulises Rodríguez inspected the site alongside Fire Chief General Alexis Moscat to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts. Rodríguez announced that once a full damage assessment is completed, the city will begin remodeling and cleaning the affected areas to facilitate a reopening. An exhaustive investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze.

Local merchants have expressed desperation, reporting significant economic losses and calling for urgent government assistance. This incident marks the second major fire at the market in approximately two years, raising concerns among traders regarding the facility's safety conditions and fire prevention measures.