A San Cristóbal judge called for the owners of Vidal Plast, the plastics recycling firm, Vidal Plast SRL, mentioned as where the explosions originated that resulted in the deaths of 37 persons and more than 70 persons injured and millions in material damages, to wear electronic locators and post bond while the case is heard in court. Owner Edward Vidal was allowed to post a bond for RD$300,000. His wife, Maribel Sandoval and daughter Mercedes Vidal Sandoval were allowed to post bonds for RD$1 million.
Judge Miolany Herasme Morillo, was filling in for the usual judge of the Permanent Judicial Attention Court of San Cristobal. She explained her decision on the grounds that the maximum fine the accused could receive in the case is three to two years in jail.
The blast affected the government-owned Banco de Reservas and the companies La Veterinaria La Esperanza and Casa Toledo during the explosion on 14 August 2023.
The owners maintain their innocence. Their lawyers say there is no proof to substantiate the charges. The company is suspected of inadequately storing flammable materials.
Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
El Caribe
Diario Libre
Diario Libre
6 September 2023