Mendoza, Argentina—The blast occurred shortly after six in the morning, shattering windows for two blocks around the residential building. Two residents were killed instantly when the force of the explosion caused their apartment’s interior walls to collapse. Firefighters arrived to find the structure engulfed in smoke and debris.

Rescue crews spent the morning searching the remaining units for survivors while the gas company worked to shut down the main supply line. The building has been evacuated, and the street is currently closed to all traffic. Structural engineers are evaluating whether the foundation remains safe for habitation.

Neighbors reported smelling gas throughout the night, though no formal report had been filed with the utility provider. This detail is now a central part of the official investigation. Authorities are reviewing maintenance logs to see if recent repairs had been performed on the unit.

The noise was like a bomb going off, said a resident from the building across the street. We all ran into the hallway without grabbing anything. By the time we looked back, the windows were gone and the smoke was thick.

Emergency medical teams treated several people for smoke inhalation and minor cuts from flying glass. The two fatalities were found in the unit directly linked to the source of the leak. Forensic teams are currently working to determine the exact technical failure that caused the accumulation of gas.

Utility workers are digging up the sidewalk to inspect the main connections feeding the block. They have warned that other buildings in the area may be at risk if the underground pipe system is compromised. The regional government has pledged a full audit of all older residential buildings in the city.

Families affected by the blast are currently staying in temporary shelters provided by the municipality. The psychological toll of the morning is visible in the faces of those who watched their homes destroyed. Many are uncertain about whether they will ever be allowed to return to their property.

Work at the site will continue through the night under floodlights. The priority for the fire department remains stabilizing the debris to prevent a secondary collapse. For now, the city remains focused on the recovery of the site and the needs of the displaced residents.