Residents of Catia La Mar, Venezuela, are grappling with the aftermath of a series of explosions that struck their neighborhood earlier this week, leaving a trail of destruction and trauma. Eyewitnesses described collapsing walls, shattered windows, and panicked evacuations as the blasts erupted without warning on January 5, 2026.
"We thought it was an earthquake at first," said María González, a mother of three whose home sustained severe structural damage. "By the time we realized what was happening, the streets were filled with smoke and people screaming." Local authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the explosions, though preliminary reports suggest a gas leak may be involved.
At least 17 families remain displaced, taking shelter in community centers and neighboring towns. Medical staff at Hospital Luis Gómez reported treating 34 civilians for injuries ranging from burns to shrapnel wounds. The incident has reignited debates about infrastructure safety standards in the region, with community leaders demanding urgent government action.
