One television station said at least 340 bodies had been recovered.

Hundreds of people were reported injured after the fire broke out at the Ycua Bolanos supermarket while it was crowded with an estimated 700 midday shoppers.

Firefighters believe the blaze may have been ignited by a spark hitting an industrial-size propane gas tank in the food court.

The death toll was especially high because, according to survivors, shopping center security personnel locked the main doors to prevent customers from fleeing the blaze without first paying.

Volunteer firefighter spokesman Roque Gonzalez said that shopping center security personnel even shot at firefighters when they attempted to force open the main door.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 7, 2004
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