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Guatemala Mourns Girls Lost in Horrific Fire
IN PICTURES: A fire in a government-run home for abused teens in Guatemala has claimed the lives of at least 29.

A candle-lit vigil was held Thursday night outside the National Palace in Guatemala City to mourn the girls who died in a fire in a government-run home for abused teens

According to the latest death toll, at least 29 were killed Tuesday when the fire broke out and nearly 40 others were injured.

Officials say the fire was started by a group of young people at the center as an act of public mutiny and an attempt to escape. Local media said more than 800 children lived there, despite its capacity to hold only 500.

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Authorities have been working to identify victims, but said DNA tests might be necessary for some remains.
Authorities have been working to identify victims, but said DNA tests might be necessary for some remains. Photo:Reuters
Family members react as they wait for news of their loved ones after a fire broke out at the public institution, known for overcrowding and its dismal conditions.
Family members react as they wait for news of their loved ones after a fire broke out at the public institution, known for overcrowding and its dismal conditions. Photo:Reuters
The home is run by the Ministry of Social Welfare, with the attorney general for human rights deciding which children are placed in the home. Three days of national mourning were announced in the country.
The home is run by the Ministry of Social Welfare, with the attorney general for human rights deciding which children are placed in the home. Three days of national mourning were announced in the country. Photo:Reuters
A crowd of relatives, many of them wailing with grief, gathered outside the Virgen de Asuncion home in the municipality of San Jose Pinula, some 15 miles southwest of the capital, Guatemala City.
A crowd of relatives, many of them wailing with grief, gathered outside the Virgen de Asuncion home in the municipality of San Jose Pinula, some 15 miles southwest of the capital, Guatemala City. Photo:Reuters
The Virgen de Asuncion home is for children up to 18 years old.
The Virgen de Asuncion home is for children up to 18 years old. Photo:Reuters
People scream
People scream "We Want Justice" during a vigil for victims of the horrific fire. Photo:Reuters
Riot police were sent in Tuesday to quell unrest over the crowded living conditions at the home during which some 60 residents escaped.
Riot police were sent in Tuesday to quell unrest over the crowded living conditions at the home during which some 60 residents escaped. Photo:Reuters
An ambulance carrying the bodies of those killed in the fire exits the Virgen de Asuncion home.
An ambulance carrying the bodies of those killed in the fire exits the Virgen de Asuncion home. Photo:Reuters
Published 9 March 2017
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