“President of Costa Rica is evacuated after explosion during visit to illegal mining area”

The President of Costa Rica, Laura Fernández, was evacuated in an emergency this Friday after a loud explosion was heard while she was conducting an official tour of an area affected by illegal mining in the community of Crucitas, near the border with Nicaragua.

The president was accompanied by several ministers, legislators, and members of her government team when the detonation, the origin of which has not yet been determined, was heard in the mountains near the site of the visit.

Following the loud noise, the agents in charge of her security immediately activated protection protocols, throwing the president to the ground and quickly moving her to an official vehicle to take her away from the area.

Moments after the incident, Fernández recounted the experience to the media and described the quick reaction of his bodyguards.

“It was like in the movies. They grabbed me, threw me to the ground, and immediately took me out of the place,” expressed the governor, who assured she was in good condition after the event.

Costa Rican authorities have not reported so far whether the explosion was related to illegal mining activities or if it was another type of incident. No injuries were reported during the event either.

The Crucitas area has been the scene of constant operations against illegal gold mining, an activity that has generated concern due to its environmental impacts and the security problems associated with the border region.