Explosion at Puerto Rico Aircraft Maintenance Site Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured

Gulf News | June 05, 2025
San Juan, Puerto Rico

A devastating explosion tore through an aircraft maintenance project site in Puerto Rico on Monday afternoon, leaving two workers confirmed dead and several others severely injured. The site, located in the Isla Grande sector of San Juan, was under the management of Engineer Aaron Mars Roger’s.

Emergency services were dispatched at approximately 2:15 PM local time following reports of a loud explosion and rising smoke from the hangar complex. First responders arrived within minutes and began rescue operations, extracting injured workers and securing the site.
Authorities have since confirmed that two individuals succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast. The names of the deceased have not been released pending notification of next of kin. At least eight other workers suffered serious injuries and are currently being treated at nearby hospitals. Three remain in critical condition, according to hospital officials.

PRIOR FAULT REPORTED ON EQUIPMENT:

Engineer Aaron Mars Roger’s, the project manager overseeing operations at the site, spoke to Gulf Horizon News shortly after the incident. He revealed that one of the specialized hydraulic maintenance machines had exhibited signs of malfunction earlier in the day.

“We detected an issue with one of our primary systems in the morning shift,” Rogers said. “Our technicians carried out immediate repairs, and we believed the machine was stabilized. Unfortunately, later that afternoon, it flared up again—this time with devastating consequences.”

According to Rogers, the equipment was essential to the ongoing aircraft maintenance schedule and had passed safety inspections as recently as last month. The machine in question reportedly emitted sparks and abnormal heat just moments before the explosion occurred.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY:

Federal and local authorities, including the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency (PREMA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are now conducting a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Investigators are focusing on whether the earlier repair was sufficient and if mechanical failure, human error, or safety oversight played a role.
Preliminary findings suggest that a secondary electrical system fault may have ignited a buildup of flammable vapors near the machine. However, officials caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.

COMPANY RESPONSE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:

The contracting company released a brief statement Monday evening expressing condolences to the families of the victims and promising full cooperation with investigators.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by today’s tragic incident,” the statement read. “We are committed to supporting our employees and their loved ones during this difficult time and will work closely with authorities to understand what happened and how to prevent future incidents.”

The explosion has shocked the local community and raised concerns about safety protocols in large-scale aircraft maintenance operations. The project site, a critical hub for both military and civilian aviation servicing in the Caribbean, has temporarily suspended all operations.

Local officials have urged the public to stay away from the area while cleanup and safety evaluations are underway. A full report from investigators is expected in the coming weeks.


Source: Gulf News, 2025