Death toll in supermarket fire in Paraguay rises to 504

The death toll in supermarket fire in Asuncion, capital of Paraguay, rose to 504 on Wednesday, according to reports reaching Buenos Aires from Asuncion.

A total of 426 victims were identified while 78 bodies were still left unidentified, according to a report by the Paraguayan Attorney General's office.

Experts worked to use DNA tests to identify the bodies, said the report.

The number of the injured also rose to 512, with several of them in serious condition.

The fire broke out when the supermarket was crowded with Sunday midday shoppers. Reports said nearly 1,000 people had been inside the shopping center, which is part of the complex that also housesoffices and an underground parking lot.

Source: Xinhua