The death toll from a fire at a day care centre in northern Mexico rose to 35 children with another 40 or more hospitalized, many in extremely grave condition, the government said today.
President Felipe Calderon has ordered an investigation into yesterday's fire at the ABC day care centre in the northern city of Hermosillo.
As flames blocked the centre's doorway, employees and neighbours used cars to punch holes through a wall and stumbled over unconscious infants and toddlers as they tried to rescue them.
Smoke inhalation killed many children, who ranged in age from a few months to about 3 years old, before rescuers could reach them, authorities say.
Injured children were being flown to the Shriners children's hospital in Sacramento, California, which specializes in burns, an official at the hospital said.
In less serious condition, six adults, presumably day care employees, were also in hospitalized in Hermosillo.
More than 140 children were in the ABC day care centre when the fire broke out, said Daniel Karam, head of Mexico's social security institute.
It was unclear where or how the fire started, although it may have broken out in a nearby warehouse or a tire shop.
"I have ordered the attorney general, along with local authorities ... to investigate as soon as possible to find out exactly what happened and identify whoever may be responsible," Calderon said.
The president said he was rushing medical assistance to overwhelmed medical staff in Hermosillo, including air ambulances and specialists in reconstructive surgery.
The government earlier said 31 children were dead, but four died in the hospital overnight.
Reuters