Fire in Paraguay

On August 1 2004, a fire in Asumcion, Paraguay consumed a shopping complex, apparently caused by an accidental explosion of gas canisters. At least 283 people were killed and hundreds more injured when a deadly fire raced through a shopping center on the outskirts of the Paraguayan capital, police said. (Updates indicate the number dead is over 300.) Reports variously said the tragedy began early on Sunday, or during the midday shopping period. The news from several sources indicated chaos, and gave several estimates of the numbers involved, but generally agreed that hundreds died or were seriously hurt. Some reports also indicated that many died from smoke inhalation because the doors were locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying.

The analysis period was set for 10:00 to 14:00 to include the midday rush. Chisquare was 14445.513 on 14400 df and p = 0.391, with equivalent Z-score of 0.278.

Fire in Paraguay


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