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Death toll hits 25 in Peru gas truck blast
February 07, 2020
LIMA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- As many as 25 people have died as a result of a gas tanker truck explosion in Peru's capital Lima two weeks ago, the Health Ministry said Thursday.
The death toll rose after two victims receiving treatment at different area hospitals succumbed to their injuries, mainly severe burns sustained after the truck burst into flames, and the fire spread to nearby buildings.
Health Minister Elizabeth Hinostroza on Wednesday said the injured were "fighting for their lives." About 15 people remain hospitalized.
The tragedy occurred on Jan. 23 in the city's Villa el Salvador district, after a tanker truck hit a bump in the road, causing gas to leak, and sparking a fire and explosion that damaged or destroyed some 20 nearby homes.
Peru's Housing Ministry has pledged to repair the 14 homes damaged, and to demolish and rebuild the six homes that were destroyed. ■
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