Death Toll From Lima Shopping Center Fire Seen to Top 120

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, December 31, 2001

Death Toll From Lima Shopping Center Fire Seen to Top 120

At least 120 people may have been killed by Sunday's deadly fire in a shopping center in Peru's capital Lima, authorities said. Tulio Nicolini, head of the capital fire brigade, said the fire which swept through four commercial districts has cost at least 120 people's lives, most of whom were shopping for the New Year celebrations.

Earlier, the presidential press service announced that at least 60 people lost their lives in the mass blaze, with 88 others injured and another 40 listed missing. About 440 firefighters rushed to the scene to rescue survivors who climbed up to building roofs, and medical workers were busy offering first aid to the injured.

The fire, sparked by a fireworks explosion, has already been put under control and a large number of police were deployed around the site to prevent looting. Witnesses said that the fire erupted around 7:30 p.m. (0030 GMT Sunday) in a store that was illegally selling home-made fireworks. President Alejandro Toledo suspended his visit to northern Peru and returned to the capital, declaring Sunday and Monday as days of national mourning.