At least 122 killed in Peru fire

Peru’s President, Alejandro Toledo, has declared two days of national mourning after at least 122 people were killed in an explosion at a fireworks shop in the capital, Lima, last night.

The blast ripped through the shop on a busy market street at around 8pm, sparking a fire that quickly spread to surrounding buildings.

The blaze was brought under control shortly before midnight.

Firefighters working at the scene said 122 bodies have been found already, most of them in the streets and entrances to buildings.

Officials believe the death toll could rise to at least 150 when rescue workers begin digging through the rubble of dozens of burned buildings.

Around 115 people have been treated for burns in several hospitals. The fire broke out in an area of aging three and four-storey buildings used as shops and apartments.

Some of the victims were reportedly shopkeepers who shut themselves inside their stores to deter looters.

Several small children are also believed to be among the dead.

The fire department said 440 firefighters were called in from several districts to fight the massive blaze.

As well as declaring two days of mourning, President Toledo has also announced an immediate ban on the production or importation of fireworks, which are popular in Peru during Christmas and New Year celebrations.