The death toll from an explosion at a plastic products company in the Dominican Republic has climbed to five, with an unknown number of people still unaccounted for, local media reported on Thursday.

Another 100 people were injured in the explosion in the capital Santo Domingo on Wednesday, the Diario Libre newspapers reported.

The blast destroyed a large part of the Polyplas factory building and surrounding structures and also damaged nearby flats and cars.

The injured included an 11-day-old baby who was at his home, as well as nine children and 13 adults who were at a nearby school.

Firefighters told the Diario Libre that the factory had not been taking appropriate safety measures, leading to a gas leak and the subsequent explosion.

The blast was felt in several parts of the city, including the presidential palace. Pictures posted on social media on Wednesday showed clouds of smoke rising over the city centre.