She was Janeth Suárez, the well-known environmental engineer who died after suffering burns at a famous restaurant in Bucaramanga.

NewsJaneth Mylene Suárez Saavedra died after spending 11 days hospitalized in Bucaramanga. Photo: Courtesy16.10.2026 09:21 Updated: 16.10.2026 09:26 On October 2, Janeth Mylene Suárez Saavedra and her husband were having breakfast at the well-known Hello Life restaurant, in the La Cabecera area of Bucaramanga, when the tragedy occurred. Apparently, preliminary reports indicate that an employee of the establishment was handling a censer (a container or burner used to burn aromatic substances), when it allegedly exploded and ended up causing burns over more than 65% of the woman's body. READ ALSO Her husband tried to help her and was also affected. Both were taken to a medical center, where the man recovered satisfactorily, but his wife died in the ICU after 11 days. A renowned Environmental EngineerSuárez Saavedra's husband was also injured in the incident. Photo: CourtesyJaneth Suárez was 57 years old and was a renowned environmental engineer in Santander, especially in her hometown of Socorro, a municipality with which she maintained family ties. That is why she worked at the municipality's Planning Secretariat and had also reportedly been involved in a communications company. Her husband was a candidate for Mayor of Socorro. The woman also had three children, and her funeral will be held this Friday, October 16, at the Parque Memorial Jardines La Colina. READ ALSO At the moment, the case is under investigation and it is unknown exactly how the events unfolded at the restaurant. That is why the authorities are going over the details of the situation to establish exactly what happened in the restaurant and whether there were failures in the handling of the censer. Statement from the restaurantThe woman suffered burns over much of her body. Photo: CourtesyThe Hello Life restaurant issued a statement last Wednesday, October 14, following the death of Janeth Suárez. Through a statement, the restaurant expressed its condolences to the family and stated that the case is in the hands of the authorities. The establishment expressed its willingness to provide the required information and cooperate with the investigation to clarify what happened. READ ALSO "We have the greatest interest in seeing that what happened is clarified. We are at the disposal of the authorities to provide any information they require and to address their requests within the investigation," they wrote. They also asked for prudence and respect for the victim's family. The Bucaramanga restaurant's defenseHello Life expressed condolences to the family. Photo: CourtesyThe restaurant's defense also issued a statement supporting the presumption of innocence of the local establishment. "DANILO GONZÁLEZ ABOGADOS S. A. S. expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs. Janeth Mylene Suárez Saavedra," they added. According to the law firm, they will focus on "safeguarding its protection and presenting the position of the company Hello Life before the competent authorities, based on the evidence and through institutional channels." READ ALSO They also pointed out that this situation is affecting two families and called on citizens to verify the information circulating in reliable media to avoid premature conclusions. "We reiterate our condolences and our deep respect for the memory of Mrs. Janeth Mylene Suárez Saavedra. We will maintain a serious and responsible defense, as well as prudent and respectful communication regarding the dignity of all those involved," they concluded. Raúl Andrés García SuárezLast News Editorial Roomraugar@eltiempo.com Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin El Tiempo's WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.