300 DEAD IN PARAGUAY FIRE
Authorities have identified 246 bodies, and they estimate that another 80 have yet to be identified. Also, 106 people were injured, and 15 of them are in critical condition from severe burns and asphyxia, ministry officials told CNN.
The fire, followed by two explosions, broke out around noon (1600 GMT) Sunday in the first floor of the three-story building and blazed for seven hours before firefighters were able to put it out.
Some witnesses said victims were not able to escape the flames because the exits had been locked, possibly to avoid robberies, a claim denied by Juan Pio Paiva, the supermarket's owner.
Preliminary investigations focused on a possible short circuit and an accidental fire, officials said.
President Nicanor Duarte Frutos asked the private sector to help the state's overwhelmed public health system.
Among the fatalities were numerous children, who had been accompanying their parents for their weekend shopping or eating in the commercial complex's restaurant.
In addition to the market and restaurant, the building included offices and an underground parking garage.
Hundreds of people were inside the store when the explosions occurred, witnesses said.
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