Menu
02/08/2004
Hundreds die in Paraguay shopping centre fire
At least 300 people are thought to have died in a blaze which destroyed a shopping centre in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion, yesterday.
Officials have put the death toll at just over 250, but some reports have put that figure as high as 340 as firefighters explore the disaster area. Many hundreds more have been injured in the fire which started yesterday lunchtime.
It has been alleged today that the tragedy was compounded when the owners of the Ycua Bolanos centre closed the doors to the complex – preventing shoppers from fleeing the area. Two owners have been detained by authorities over the allegations that the closed the doors were shut to stop people from leaving without paying. The management deny the claims, it has been reported.
A gas explosion – possibly emanating from the kitchens – is though to have caused the devastating blaze. The basement of the complex gave way and one of the floors collapsed, trapping victims beneath tonnes of rubble.
It is the worst tragedy to have befallen the South America nation since a failed military coup in 1947 left 8,000 people dead.
(gmcg)
Officials have put the death toll at just over 250, but some reports have put that figure as high as 340 as firefighters explore the disaster area. Many hundreds more have been injured in the fire which started yesterday lunchtime.
It has been alleged today that the tragedy was compounded when the owners of the Ycua Bolanos centre closed the doors to the complex – preventing shoppers from fleeing the area. Two owners have been detained by authorities over the allegations that the closed the doors were shut to stop people from leaving without paying. The management deny the claims, it has been reported.
A gas explosion – possibly emanating from the kitchens – is though to have caused the devastating blaze. The basement of the complex gave way and one of the floors collapsed, trapping victims beneath tonnes of rubble.
It is the worst tragedy to have befallen the South America nation since a failed military coup in 1947 left 8,000 people dead.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 November 2013
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
Over 2,000 People Use 'Help To Buy' Scheme
More than 2,000 people have put in offers on homes under the Help to Buy scheme, totalling £365 million of new mortgage lending. The applications are backed by a 'decision in principle' by RBS and Lloyds, the first two participating banks, for 95 per cent mortgages. Ten of the 2,384 applications have already completed.
29 May 2009
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
Widespread Use Of Aspirin Slammed
A new study in The Lancet medical journal has found that healthy people who take aspirin reduced their already small risk of heart attack or stroke by just 12%. However, the small risk of internal bleeding increased by a third.
27 April 2015
400 News Jobs Announced In Scotland
Four hundred new jobs have been announced in East Ayrshire and Argyll. The jobs are being created by call centre specialist Webhelp UK, which will see its workforce in Kilmarnock and Dunoon double. Recruitment is underway and the jobs are hoped to be filled in the next few months.
400 News Jobs Announced In Scotland
Four hundred new jobs have been announced in East Ayrshire and Argyll. The jobs are being created by call centre specialist Webhelp UK, which will see its workforce in Kilmarnock and Dunoon double. Recruitment is underway and the jobs are hoped to be filled in the next few months.
18 April 2012
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
04 August 2004
UN sends aid for Paraguay inferno survivors
The UN has pledged aid to Paraguay following the devastating fire in a shopping centre that killed hundreds at the weekend. More than 350 people are thought to have died – including 46 children – in a blaze which destroyed a shopping centre in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion.
UN sends aid for Paraguay inferno survivors
The UN has pledged aid to Paraguay following the devastating fire in a shopping centre that killed hundreds at the weekend. More than 350 people are thought to have died – including 46 children – in a blaze which destroyed a shopping centre in the Paraguayan capital, Asuncion.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
