HERMOSILLO, June 7 (RIA Novosti) - The death toll in a fire that swept through a state-run nursery in north-western Mexico has risen to 38, with 15 more in a critical condition, Mexican health officials said on Sunday.
The fire broke out on Friday in the city of Hermosillo in Sonora state in a tire depot with flammable materials next to the daycare center. The fire appears to have started due to a short circuit.
"Thirty-eight children have died and another 23 are in hospital in a very serious and life-threatening condition," said Raymundo Lopez, health minister of the Sonora state.
Many children died as a result of smoke inhalation even before the rescuers could reach them as the blaze blocked the nursery's doorway. The age of the victims ranged from a few months old to about 3 years old.
Firefighters had to punch holes in the walls of the nursery's building to rescue the children.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon ordered an investigation into the fire at the daycare center to find those to blame for the disaster.
