A gas tank explosion at a downtown San José restaurant was the cause of the fire that destroyed it completely. The restaurant was the bottom floor of a three storey building.
The fire department had to dispatch six units to bring the night blaze under control.
No injuries or fatalities were reported, though there is extensive damage to the building.
Only two weeks ago, a similar explosion occurred in Alajuela centre. In that indicent, four people lost their lives and two continue in hospital.
The handling of propage gas tanks, both by consumers and distributors and bottles alike has come under question. The Ministerio de Ambiente y Energia (MINAE) is being pressured to make changes to regulations to the use of the existing tanks and valves.
Although the exact cause of the San José incident is still under investigation, a poorly maintained gas tank was the cause of the Alajuela tragedy.
