Death toll climbs to 7 in explosion at Mexican children`s hospital

Jan. 29--REPORTING FROM MEXICO CITY -- An apparent gas explosion early Thursday destroyed part of a maternity and children's hospital in Mexico City, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens more.

At least 22 children and 32 adults were injured in the blast, mostly by flying glass and fire, according to rescue workers who flooded the scene.

Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera confirmed that at least two men and a woman were killed, without providing further identification. Adrian Ruvalcava, top official in the Cuajimalapa district where the hospital is located, later told MVS radio that the death toll had climbed to seven and included children.

Officials cautioned that rescuers were still attempting to reach people who may be trapped in the ruins in part using sniffer dogs. About 30% of the government-run hospital, which caters primarily to middle- and lower-income patients, reportedly collapsed.

The scene at the hospital was chaotic, with streets clogged by traffic, fire trucks and ambulances. Rescuers emerged from the ruins covered in dust and ash.

Victims were being rushed to other area hospitals as families of patients and employees gathered outside the building, frantically demanding information about missing relatives.

Milenio television reported that a pregnant woman who was rescued from the ruins gave birth in the ambulance on the way to another facility.

The Cuajimalapa district is located on the far western edge of the sprawling capital.

"The situation is delicate," Ruvalcaba said. "We have a lot of injuries, many children trapped in the ruins."

Ruvalcaba said the explosion involved gas supplied to the hospital.

UPDATES

8:25 a.m. This article has been updated with a higher death toll.

7:50 a.m.: This article has been updated with additional details.

The story was originally published at 7:13 a.m.

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