Last Updated Aug 4, 2018 8:19 PM EDT
Venezuela’s government says several explosions heard at a military event were an attempted attack on President Nicolas Maduro. ButfFirefighters at the scene disputed government’s version of events.
Information Minister Jorge Rodriguez said in a live broadcast Saturday that several drone-like devices with explosives detonated near the president.
He said Maduro is safe and unharmed but that seven people were injured.
Security forces check a nearby building after an explosion was heard while Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was attending a ceremony to celebrate the 81st anniversary of the National Guard, in Caracas on August 4, 201 – A loud bang interrupted Maduro’s speech during the military ceremony.
Juan Barreto / AFP/Getty Images
Three officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case say the incident was actually a gas tank explosion inside an apartment.
Smoke could be seen coming out of a building window at the site of the incident.
Maduro’s speech cut off abruptly during a celebration of the National Guard’s 81 anniversary. Maduro was standing next to his wife Cilia Flores and several high ranking military officials for the event broadcast on radio and television.
A video shows Celia Flores wince and look up after a sound.
The soldiers lined up in ranks then begin running.
The transmission was cut without explanation.
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