Two Dead, Seven Injured After Gas Leak Explosion Hits Residential Complex In Buenos Aires, Argentina Officials Say

Buenos Aires, Argentina— A gas leak triggered an explosion inside a residential complex in Buenos Aires on November 1, 2026, killing two people and injuring seven others, while blowing out windows and walls across several floors.

The blast happened around 6:10 a.m. in the Almagro neighborhood. Residents reported smelling gas overnight. One building superintendent said he called the gas company at 5 a.m. The explosion occurred before technicians arrived. The force was felt two blocks away.

Firefighters and SAME emergency medical crews found a scene of collapsed internal walls and shattered glass. Two victims, a woman in her 70s and a man in his 50s, were found dead inside adjacent apartments. Seven injured people were taken to Ramos Mejía and Durand hospitals with burns, cuts and smoke inhalation.

"The building had a strong gas odor since last night. We evacuated some residents but not all. Then it exploded," a city fire official said from the cordon. He said 30 families were evacuated to a community center.

Gas explosions are recurrent in Buenos Aires. Aging pipe networks, illegal connections, and poor maintenance contribute. Metrogas, the distributor, has faced fines for delayed emergency response. Prosecutors said they will review call logs and response times.

Building residents said maintenance on the gas system was overdue. One tenant said a regulator had warned about corrosion in the basement last month. The building administration did not comment.

The city government sealed the complex and cut gas supply to the block. Structural engineers inspected the building for collapse risk. The prosecutor's office opened a case for manslaughter and negligent damage.

Neighbors left flowers outside the gate Saturday afternoon. The evacuated families waited for permission to retrieve belongings. Officials said it may take days before the building is declared safe.

Gas company technicians continued leak checks in surrounding buildings late Saturday. Authorities urged residents to report any gas smell immediately to emergency lines.