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| Caribbean-Latin America |
| FIre Engulfs Caracas Skyscraper |
| 2004-10-17 |
| (photo in link) Hundreds of firefighters in the Venezuelan capital Caracas are battling a blaze which has engulfed one of the country's tallest buildings. At least sixteen floors of the 56 storey skyscraper have been damaged and 13 firefighters have been hurt. The Caracas complex houses ministries and state agencies but there were no casualties. The blaze ignited in the 34th floor offices belonging to Ministry of Infrastructure. It quickly engulfed the upper half of the East Tower of the Parque Central complex. "We have total material losses from the 34th floor to the roof of the building," Interior and Justice Minister Jesse Chacon said. Firefighters were treated for the effects of toxic fumes after struggling to control the fire which started around midnight, officials said. Most of the offices were closed for the weekend. |
| Posted by:Mark Espinola |
| #2 "The blaze ignited in the 34th floor offices belonging to Ministry of Infrastructure." Heh. |
| Posted by: Dave D. 2004-10-17 5:36:40 PM |
#1 Firefighters were treated for the effects of toxic fumes after struggling to control the fireUh, guys - they give you that breathing apparatus for a reason. Yes, it's heavy (though if you have the new aluminum air bottles it's not as bad as the old iron ones we had), but a mask and air bottle aren't nearly as heavy as your ass is when two other firefighters have to drag you out of there. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2004-10-17 5:25:24 PM |