This was a horrific tragedy that could have been mitigated with multiple exits, but there was only one. Some men had rammed the building with trucks to create openings in an effort to free toddlers and babies.
Pope Benedict XVI offered condolences and prayers.
Pope Comforts Victims of Mexico Daycare Fire
Tragedy Leaves 40 Dead, 33 Hospitalized
VATICAN CITY, JUNE 7, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent a message of condolence to the victims of a devastating daycare fire in Hermosillo, Mexico, that left 40 children dead and 33 hospitalized.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope's secretary of state, sent the telegram Saturday on behalf of the Holy Father to Archbishop José Ulises Macías Salcedo of Hermosillo. The Pope expressed his closeness to the parents of the children and hoped for the speedy recovery of those hurt in the accident.
Two more children died today from injuries sustained in Friday's fire at the ABC day care center in the northern Mexican city, raising the death toll to 40.
Desperate attempts were made to evacuate all 142 children, ranging from 6 months to 5 years of age, through the building's only working exit. Thirty-three children remain hospitalized, and 13 are in critical condition, reports Associated Press.
In his telegram, the Pope asked the bishop to communicate his condolences to those affected, "together with spiritual closeness, concern, and wishes for a speedy and total recovery of those injured in the lamentable incident."
The telegram added, "With these sentiments, the Supreme Pontiff, in these moments of sadness, imparts from the heart the comfort of an apostolic blessing, as a sign of comfort and hope in the Risen Lord."
Please keep the suffering victims and families in your prayers.
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