Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic—Firefighters fought for hours to contain a massive blaze that ripped through a three-story apartment building before dawn. Three residents were found dead inside the ruins once the fire was finally extinguished. Neighbors alerted authorities after hearing several small explosions, which likely resulted from gas cylinders kept in the kitchens.

The building, located in a crowded residential district, suffered extensive structural damage that now threatens the stability of adjacent homes. Fire crews focused their efforts on preventing the flames from jumping to nearby properties, which are separated by only a few feet. Smoke could be seen billowing across the city skyline for most of the morning.

Emergency services have evacuated the entire block as a precaution. Building inspectors are currently assessing the debris to see if the structure can be salvaged or if a controlled demolition will be necessary. The survivors, who lost all their possessions, are being housed in a temporary shelter provided by local community organizations.

Investigators are looking into whether an electrical short circuit in the ground-floor hallway served as the ignition point. Several residents reported flickering lights and power surges in the days leading up to the fire. The company responsible for the building’s maintenance has been summoned to provide records of all electrical inspections.

The identities of the three victims have been confirmed by the coroner’s office, and their families are receiving assistance from local government officials. The scale of the fire has brought the issue of urban safety in older neighborhoods to the forefront of local politics. Many are asking why such buildings do not have modern fire suppression systems.

There is significant anger in the community regarding the response time of the fire department. While the first trucks arrived quickly, they were reportedly hampered by narrow, congested streets and illegally parked vehicles. Residents are calling for better enforcement of parking regulations to allow for emergency vehicle access.

Forensic teams are still sifting through the charred remains of the apartment building to recover personal items for the surviving families. The smell of smoke still hangs heavy over the neighborhood as the investigation proceeds. The government has promised to investigate the building's compliance with municipal safety codes.

For now, the site remains off-limits to everyone except investigators and specialized demolition crews. The community is holding a small vigil for the victims near the edge of the police cordon. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with high-density housing in the capital.