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CNN Live Sunday

Death Toll From Fireworks Explosion in Peru Continues to Rise

Aired December 30, 2001 - 18:22   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's bring in our Cladia Cisneros for the latest on that tragic fire in Lima. Claudia, what can you tell us about the latest death toll?

CLAUDIA CISNEROS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, the death toll continues to rise; 235 charred bodies retrieved from the scene. There were less than 200 last night -- until last tonight, but today, as firefighters went inside the burned buildings, they were able to find dozens more bodies.

So far, some 80 percent of the blaze area has been searched by firefighters here. The death toll could still rise, continue to rise, since they still have to go inside several basements of the burned buildings, where they are afraid they will find even more victims. No hope or very little hope for survivors at this point -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Claudia, for folks who have not been following this story, explain what happened and how fireworks might be involved.

CISNEROS: Sure. This is a huge blaze that started last night after shortly after 7:00 o'clock at night in downtown Lima in the so- called historical district of downtown Lima, where very old buildings and houses are, and where lots of people crowded the area of this commercial galleries where fireworks were being sold, such as the tradition during holidays in Peru of legally -- anyone could buy until last night any kind or most kinds of fireworks.

And so, the streets were packed with people shopping and just having fun and shopping for fireworks, when suddenly an explosion started and spread really quickly throughout all the other shops full of fireworks, and really from witnesses' accounts, hell broke loose there with fireworks flying all over the place and going throughout the buildings across the street. People trying to search for cover. Groups of people were found under some cars that exploded, virtually burned beyond recognition.

It's been a tough work for the firefighters all night and police officers and volunteers in order to get some of the -- rescue some of the survivors. A hundred and twenty-two, so far, injured people have been treated in different local hospitals -- Daryn.

KAGAN: And as you explained then, this turned into a tragedy. More than 200 people killed and almost 200 injured. Claudia Cisneros in Lima, thank you for the latest on that fire. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com