Death toll rises after bakery explosion in Dominican Republic

Firefighters put out a fire after a powerful explosion in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic (Jolivel Brito/Diario Libre via AP)

The death toll from a powerful explosion near the capital of the Dominican Republic has risen to 10 as firefighters searched through smouldering rubble.

More than 50 people were injured in Monday’s explosion at a bustling commercial centre in the city of San Cristobal, located just west of Santo Domingo. At least 36 of the injured remained in hospital according to Joel Santos, minister of the presidency.