The security forces of Costa Rica evacuated the country's president, Laura Fernández, this Friday, after a loud noise similar to an explosion was heard during a visit to Crucitas de Cutris, in the canton of San Carlos, in the province of Alajuela.
In the area, known for the presence of illegal mining activities, a dozen agents from the Border Police, the Public Force, the Special Intervention Unit (UEI), and the presidential security team immediately activated the emergency protocol following what has been described as an alleged detonation.
According to images released by the newspaper "La Nación," the head of state was surrounded by armed escorts and quickly taken to an official vehicle, which removed her from the area amidst the surprise of journalists and deputies present at the event.
Shortly after, the president told the media that the situation reminded her of a movie scene. "I felt like what you see in movies, where they grab you by the hair and throw you to the ground and mount you and pull. Don't look at how I ended up, but I thank you for having watched over my safety and that of the deputies," she said.
Fernández detailed that four people had to be treated for low blood pressure or heatstroke. "I am fine: they checked me because it is protocol, but I am very well, so please, do not worry," she expressed.
For now, the authorities have not offered precise information about what happened, although they have deployed tactical units with the objective of locating the possible perpetrators. The president was scheduled to tour approximately seven kilometers in the area before the incident occurred.