Dominican Republic Mourns as Local Hero Martín Chalas is Swept Away by Swollen River

In a heartrending incident that has gripped the community of Monte Plata, Dominican Republic, the body of 53-year-old Martín de la Cruz Chalas was discovered after a frantic search lasting over 48 hours. Martín went missing on Monday night after he was carried away by the surging waters of the El Naranjo river in Peralvillo while driving his truck.

The Deadly Crossing

The incident unfolded as Martín attempted to navigate a bridge during a torrential rainstorm triggered by a trough. His vehicle was swept off by the raging river, sending him into its treacherous currents. Despite the dangerous conditions, Martín was accompanied by another person who miraculously managed to leap from the vehicle, escaping the watery grave.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Martín's tragic end has left the Peralvillo municipality in deep grief. As the head of Civil Defense in Peralvillo, Marino Santana, authenticated the discovery of Martín's remains, the town was plunged into a state of sorrow. The desperate search involved the tireless efforts of over 20 volunteers, rescuers, and community members, who painstakingly combed the river from El Naranjo in Peralvillo to the community of Frías in the Don Juan municipal district.

A Family's Despair

Martín's family had been living on a knife-edge, hoping against hope for his safe return. His wife, Severina Cruz, tearfully recalled the fateful day when Martín left to drop their children at school but never returned. She remembered the chilling 3:00 AM call that shattered her world, informing her of her husband's tragic fate. Martín's brother, José Livio de la Cruz, disclosed that Martín had consumed alcohol before venturing to brave the river, despite explicit warnings of its dangerous overflow.

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