SANTA CRUZ DEL QUICHÉ, GUATEMALA — A festive afternoon in the central park turned to chaos on Sunday, August 31, 2025, when a gas cylinder at a mobile food stall exploded, injuring several people and causing panic among the crowd. The incident, captured in dramatic videos that have since circulated on social media, has raised concerns about public safety and the regulation of street vendors.
The explosion occurred at a tricycle that had been adapted into a stall selling "tortas." According to eyewitnesses and video footage, a fire first broke out at the food cart. Onlookers, many of whom were in the park for a religious caravan celebrating the Day of the Bible and the weekly market day, gathered to watch the fire, seemingly unaware of the imminent danger.
The situation escalated dramatically when the propane gas cylinder on the cart exploded. The blast completely destroyed the food tricycle and also damaged a nearby candy and slushie stand. The explosion sent a fireball into the air and debris flying, causing panic as the crowd scrambled for safety.
Several people were injured in the incident. While an official report from rescue services with the exact number of injured is still pending, some victims have been identified. Feliciana Tavico, 85, suffered an exposed fracture of her left arm after being pushed by the fleeing crowd. Silvio López Grijalva, 27, sustained an open wound on his upper lip. A member of the Volunteer Firefighters was also among the injured. All known victims were transported to the Santa Elena National Hospital for treatment.
Emergency services, including the Volunteer and Municipal Departmental Firefighters, responded to the scene to attend to the injured and secure the area. In the wake of the explosion, concerned residents have called on municipal authorities to increase inspections of street vendors who use gas cylinders to prevent similar incidents in the future. The cause of the initial fire is still under investigation.
