At least 33 people, including minors, were injured in an explosion at a nightclub in Trujillo in northern Peru. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, causing panic among the venue's patrons. According to medical services, five of the injured are in serious condition. Police are investigating the hypothesis of a deliberate attack using an explosive device, which may be linked to local criminal gang disputes.
High number of casualties
The explosion injured 33 people, including children, with five patients in critical condition.
Suspected criminal attack
Police suspect perpetrators used a grenade to extort money from the nightclub owners.
Chaos and panic in Trujillo
The explosion triggered a mass escape of patrons, complicating rescue efforts in the smoke-filled venue.
Dramatic events in Trujillo, located in northern Peru, have shaken the local community after a powerful explosion occurred at a nightclub. The latest data confirms the number of injured has risen to 33. Among the victims are at least three minors, sparking additional controversy regarding the presence of children in such venues. Rescue services, which arrived immediately, transported the injured to nearby hospitals. Five people are fighting for their lives, with doctors describing their condition as critical. Witnesses describe the moment of the explosion as a powerful bang, followed by complete darkness and smoke, which led to panic and a stampede as people tried to escape the building. The La Libertad region, whose capital is Trujillo, has struggled for years with high activity from gangs involved in extortion. Criminals often use explosives originating from illegal mining, which has been a scourge of the Peruvian Andes since colonial times. Peru's National Police (PNP) secured the area and launched a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings indicate the use of a grenade or improvised explosive device, which was thrown inside the venue or left near the entrance. Officers are analyzing footage from city surveillance and cameras installed in the club to identify the perpetrators. The main motive considered by investigators is an attempt to intimidate the venue's owners as part of extortion demands. This is a common practice of criminal groups in this part of the country, targeting local entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Health assured that all victims are guaranteed full medical care, and the families of the injured have received psychological support. 5 — people are in serious condition following the explosion The event has triggered a wave of criticism towards the government in Lima for insufficient public safety measures. Residents of Trujillo are demanding a state of emergency be declared in the province, which would allow for greater military involvement in street patrols. Local authorities announced a review of nightclub operating permits and a tightening of safety regulations. The incident in Trujillo is part of a dark series of attacks on public facilities in Peru, calling into question the effectiveness of current strategies to combat organized crime. Investigators do not rule out further arrests in the coming days, while technical services check the structural stability of the building after the shockwave.