MEXICO CITY: The death toll in the devastating earthquake that struck Mexico City and surrounding areas three days ago rose to at least 273, as the search for survivors continued Friday.
President Enrique Pena Nieto said 137 of the deaths occurred in Mexico City. He said he believed people could still be trapped alive in a number of buildings following Tuesday’s magnitude-7.1 quake.
The body of a female teacher was found overnight in the Enrique Rébsamen school in Mexico City, according to media reports. Reports that a girl was found alive in the rubble turned out to be incorrect, even though a Navy commander told cable channel El Financiero that rescuers had been in contact with her.
Many in Mexico became fixed on the alleged girl, Frida SofÃa, believed to be 12 years old, who was reported to have been in contact with classmates and was taking shelter under a heavy table.
Broadcaster Televisa reported the girl was not named “Frida†and all the students with that name at the Enrique Rébsamen school were accounted for.
“We have done a count with the school authorities and we are sure that all the children, either tragically, died, or are in hospital, or safe at home,” said Angel Enrique Sarmiento, of the Mexican Navy.
Teams pulled 11 survivors from the rubble of the school. Nineteen children and six adults are thought to have died there.
