Costa Rica’s President, Laura Fernandez was quickly evacuated by security forces during a visit to a mining area after a loud explosion was heard nearby. The incident happened on Friday in the town of Crucitas, close to the border with Nicaragua.

This area is known for illegal gold mining activities by criminal groups.
President Fernandez, who was touring the zone with some lawmakers, was unharmed. Security personnel acted fast, rushing her to safety.

In video footage from the scene, bodyguards are seen covering her on the ground before putting her into a car. She later described the moment as feeling like something from a movie.

The 39-year-old conservative leader told reporters that the blast highlighted the dangers in the region. Criminal gangs involved in unlicensed mining not only pollute the environment but also pose serious threats. This event comes shortly after reports of an alleged plot to assassinate her.

The evacuation has drawn reactions from other leaders in the region. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino condemned the incident and expressed relief that Fernandez was safe. Costa Rica has been working with Nicaragua to fight illegal mining along their shared border.

This scare shows the ongoing challenges of crime and illegal activities in parts of Central America. President Fernandez, who took office in May, had promised to crack down on crime in a country once known as one of the safest in the Americas. Many hope this incident will lead to stronger actions against illegal mining and related threats.