Two Children Die in Downtown Escazú Gasoline Station Explosion
Two explosions at the Shell gasoline station at 8:45am, in downtown Escazú, shocked the neighbourhood and caused the death of two children and severe burns in four other persons.

The explosion, according to Álvaro Sánchez, chief fire investigator for Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), occurred when a station attendant was changing a filter in a gas pump.

The attendant appears to have violated security protocol set by Shell and spilled gasoline from the hose that came into contact with a spark, which source is yet unknown.

The first explosion caused a fire and some 30 seconds later, a larger and more powerful explosion left the gasoline station in totally destroyed.

The ensuing fire claimed the lives of the two small children, 13 year old Nicole González Umaña and five year old Andre González Umaña.

The children's mother, Gloriana Umaña Marin, resulted in sever burns. Gloriana, who had gotten of her vehicle to pay for the gasoline she had just purchased, tried to save her children by pulling them out the window, following the first explosion, but the second and more power explosion made it impossible, as the children, with their seat belts on, were trapped in the burning vehicle.

Three others suffered burns and required hospitalization. Four vehicles, whose owners were at the station filling up, were totally destroyed.

The gasoline station, located one block east of the central park and municipal offices of Escazú, surrounded by retail stores, bars and residential homes, was built 42 years ago.

Ten years ago Shell purchased the station and gave the franchise to the current operator, Comercializadora Ezer S.A.

Firefighters were on the scene within minutes and put out the fire by 9:05am. Officials of the franchise operator were not available for comment.

As of last night, Gloriana Umaña Marin, remained in hospital, being treated for her wounds. Unofficial reports early this morning, say the woman died during the night.