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.
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