(voa) – The death toll from Saturday’s fire in Lima, Peru, is now more than 220 and officials warn the number could still rise.
Firefighters continue to dig through the rubble of the massive blaze, sparked by an explosion at a fireworks stand in the Peruvian capital. Rescue workers say there is little hope of finding any survivors.
Most of the victims burned to death or died from smoke inhalation and the streets were reported strewn with bodies and wreckage.
At least 144 other people were hospitalized and their injuries are being treated.
President Alejandro Toledo has declared Sunday and Monday national days of mourning. He also announced an immediate ban on the production and import of fireworks ahead of New Year’s festivities.
