At least 7 killed in Guatemala volcano eruption

Volcanic ash covers parked motorcycles after  Fuego Volcano, in Antigua Guatemala, erupted on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Volcan del Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. (AP Photo/Luis Soto)

GUATEMALA CITY — At least seven people were killed and 20 others were hurt as a volcano southwest of the capital erupted over the weekend, authorities said.

National Disaster Coordinator Sergio Cabanas said an undetermined number of people were also missing following Sunday’s eruption of the Volcan del Fuego, 44 kilometers (27 miles) from this city.

Cabanas said four people died when lava set a house on fire while two children were burned to death while standing on a bridge watching the eruption. Another victim was found in the streets of El Rodeo by volunteer firefighters but the person died in an ambulance.

Disaster agency spokesman David de Leon said about 300 people have been evacuated from nearby villages, which are being blanketed by ash as fiery smoke billows nearly 6.5 kilometers into the sky. Some ash also has fallen on the capital. Soot likewise blanketed cars and houses in the nearby villages of San Pedro Yepocapa and Sangre de Cristo.

Volcan del Fuego’s eruption on Sunday was the second time this year. It is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.      /kga