Nightclub blast in Peru injures more than 30, including minors

More than 30 people, including several minors, were injured after an explosion struck a nightclub in northern Peru, leaving some victims with severe injuries such as amputations and shrapnel wounds, authorities said.

The blast occurred at the Dali nightclub in Trujillo, a coastal city in the La Libertad region, at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, according to a statement from the Regional Government of La Libertad.

Officials said at least 33 people were injured in the explosion. Among them were a 16-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl, and a 17-year-old boy, according to information released by authorities. 

Several victims were transported to hospitals for emergency treatment, with three patients, including one of the teenagers, admitted to a shock trauma unit for critical care.

Gerardo Florián Gómez, executive director of the Trujillo Health Network, told reporters that some victims suffered serious injuries requiring surgery, including amputations and wounds caused by shrapnel.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the nightclub when the blast occurred during a live performance.

“I was enjoying the night with my friends when suddenly we saw something fall … everything went blurry. My nose started bleeding horribly,” Jherson Morales Haro, 26, told local outlet La República. 

He added that everyone in his group of five was hospitalized after the incident.

Another victim said she was standing near the middle of the club when the explosion occurred.

“All the musical equipment shut down. I was in the middle of the club. Glass shards got into my leg, and I have stitches in my abdomen from the shrapnel,” she said.

Authorities have not yet determined who was responsible for the explosion or the motive behind the attack. 

The National Police of Peru and regional officials have not released further details as investigations continue.

In a statement, the Regional Government of La Libertad strongly condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. 

Officials also called on police to increase patrols and security in high-risk areas of the city.

Local nightlife venues were urged to strengthen internal safety measures, including installing metal detectors and enhanced surveillance systems.

The explosion comes amid a rise in organized crime in the region. Less than a month earlier, another explosion in Trujillo damaged 25 homes, though no injuries were reported in that incident.

Authorities say the investigation into the nightclub blast remains ongoing.