Six killed in Peru market blast
Local police say the explosion was caused by a backpack filled with dynamite.
![JR003 - Juliaca, - PERU : Police officers inspect the corpses of the six people killed in a blast inside a market during a festivity in Juliaca, more than 1000 km south from Lima, 18 May, 2007 A plastic bag containing explosives left in the place of the celebration exploded killing at least six people and injuring more than 50. The authorities discard any terrorist attack, pointing that it is rather product of an unhappy blend of imprudence and booze. [AFP]](/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/1_220040_1_5.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Published On 19 May 2007
In the initial aftermath, the head of the local police force, Raul Becerra, said the blast was caused by fireworks intended for the celebrations.
“This is an irresponsible and accidental consequence of people drinking alcohol,” he told RPP, the Peruvian radio station.
Police sources later told Reuters they had not ruled out the possibility of a bomb attack.
Shining Path, the Maoist rebel group that plunged Peru into violence during the 1980s and 1990s, marked the 27th anniversary of its foundation this week.
Although it has been largely defeated, the group still carries out occasional guerrilla attacks.
Source: News Agencies