(ANS – Rosario) – The Salesian community of San José, Rosario, and the members of the various Institutes that form part of its work have joined a campaign of solidarity on behalf of the victims of an explosion that occurred at 9.40 a.m. on Tuesday 6 August in a building in the centre of the city, a few blocks away from the Salesian House.

The explosion has been called the worst disaster in the history of the city. The building, between Balcarce and Salta Streets, is very close to the Salesian House of San José, four blocks away to be precise. At present, donations to help those affected by the tragedy are being coordinated by the Caritas Commission of the Salesian Parish of Mary Help of Christians, together with neighbouring parishes.

 “We did not suffer damage to our house, but the loud impact was heard that morning. Our school and other similar institutes in the area had to close for two days, at the request of the Secretary for Education in the Province,” according to Fr Ricardo Campoli, member of the San José and Delegate for Communications on the Northern Argentine  Province.  “The accident happened when a gas regulator was being replaced.  The worker in charge of this operation foresaw the explosion and ran out, shouting to everybody to get away from the complex, which consisted of three towers. Five minutes later the explosion occurred and in a very short space of time, one of the nine-story towers collapsed. The surrounding towers also collapsed and glass was flying in all directions. The tremor caused by the explosion was felt up to 40 blocks away.”

Archbishop José Luis Mollaghan visited the site of the tragedy and asked for “solidarity from all” for the victims and their families. From the University Chaplaincy to Youth  Ministry, and several civil agencies, there was a real rush to help with gestures of support, providing food and blankets. People even offered to take some of those left homeless into their own homes.

The Salesian House of San José is asking the whole Salesian Family to support with their prayers these brothers and sisters who have lost their life or been affected in any way by the accident. Fr Campoli added: “The size of this event has left a trail of dead and wounded. So far we have counted 12 dead, more than 60 injured, and 14 unaccounted for, among them children, young people and adults of all ages. In the midst of so much suffering and loss, it is truly admirable to see the swift and effective support given by so many people.”

Published  08/08/2013