 A
tragic fire broke out at a malnutrition and recuperation
center. (This photo courtesy
LaHora, below)
Six of the seven children died in the
fiery tragedy at 'Centro Nutricional de Nuestra Senora
del Pilar' in the rural town of Zaragoza, about 40
minutes northwest of Antigua.
The Feb 20, 6:30 am fire is suspected to
have been caused by an electrical short circuit which caused
sparks to ignite furniture and the sleeping children's
blankets and clothes.
On Feb 21, I (Gregory) visited the Center
and met the nuns who run it. There was a general sense of
heavy sadness in the air, but you could also feel that they
were comforted and encouraged by the outpouring of care,
concern and donations from the Guatemalan community.
The nuns told me that they have a
sufficient supply of food and medicines coming in - so they
are not in a dire emergency in that regard. Their main need
is for funds to repair the building and to replace
furniture, fixtures and appliances.
Here is a link to local news articles
(Spanish)
PrensaLibre Guatemala daily newspaper
Highlights in English: A 14 yr-old
neighbor girl heard the children crying while the fire was
burning. She and others tried to pry off pieces of the roof
to save the children. The children could be heard crying and
screaming, trapped inside the room, and in their cribs.
Then, there were no more cries. Two teen girls who tried to
help rescue were taken to the hospital with severe burns.
(Note: they could use help)
The room where the fire started now holds only ashes,
the smell of burned clothes and the memories of the six
children who were rescued from (serious) malnutrition most
of whom were orphans or had families who could not care for
them.
The Center takes in children with severe malnutrition and
cares for them until they recover - a period of up to two
years. Then the ones with no families are placed in
children's homes.
La Hora newspaper - lots of photos here
Entering the
tranquil village of Zaragoza, now home
to a terrible tragedy. Not the first
time, though; three nuns died at this
Center in the 1976 earthquake when most
buildings were destroyed.
 Peaceful
rolling hills around Zaragoza belie the
sadness this village must bear.
Colorful tombs
and mausoleums in the cemetery at
Zaragoza, where the victims now lie.
The Center's entrance. The fire chief
came in the yellow-green ambulance,
still investigating.
Sisters Sor Nelida and Francisca were
very warm to me and chatted freely. As I
was leaving, the fire chief (far left)
wanted to talk to them again.
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