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Mexico Busts 7 Officials in Daycare Fire

Officials accused of negligence in blaze that killed 47 children

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 23, 2009 5:37 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Mexico has charged seven officials with negligent homicide in a fire that killed 47 babies and toddlers in a daycare center earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reports. The officials in Sonora state were responsible for the storage of tires, cars, and paperwork in a warehouse in the same building as the nursery, where the fire began and quickly spread.

The warehouse lacked any fire extinguishers, and desperate rescuers had to knock holes in the walls of the building as fire engulfed it. "The question is why was the warehouse allowed to function as a nursery?" Sonora's governor said at a news conference. "It clearly lacked the necessary security measures, and didn't have any emergency doors." Arrest warrants have been issued for six other officials.

Mourners light candles and leave gifts at a vigil earlier this month at the Catedral Metropolitana in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, for the children who died in a daycare fire.
Mourners light candles and leave gifts at a vigil earlier this month at the Catedral Metropolitana in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, for the children who died in a daycare fire.   (AP Photo/Eleazar Escobar - Expreso)
Coffins for children killed during a fire in a daycare center are seen at a workshop in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Coffins for children killed during a fire in a daycare center are seen at a workshop in Hermosillo, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
Police tape surrounds a warehouse where a fire broke out and spread to a daycare center in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Police tape surrounds a warehouse where a fire broke out and spread to a daycare center in Hermosillo, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
Relatives of Jimena Yanes, killed in a fire at a daycare center, attend her burial at a local cemetery in Hermosillo, Mexico.
Relatives of Jimena Yanes, killed in a fire at a daycare center, attend her burial at a local cemetery in Hermosillo, Mexico.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
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Mexicans demand justice after deadly fire
New York Times

 
Mexico • children • daycare • negligence • fire

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