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At least 25 dead after volcano erupts in Guatemala

By Ray Downs
Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts Sunday in Alotenango, Sacatepequez, Guatemala. By early Monday, more than two dozen people had died in its aftermath. Photo by Esteban Biba/EPA-EFE
1 of 2 | Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts Sunday in Alotenango, Sacatepequez, Guatemala. By early Monday, more than two dozen people had died in its aftermath. Photo by Esteban Biba/EPA-EFE

June 3 (UPI) -- A volcano erupted in Guatemala on Sunday, killing at least 25 and injuring several others.

Guatemala's Fuego volcano, located about 25 miles from Guatemala City, sent a stream of hot lava and ash into nearby villages.

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CNN reported 25 dead and 20 injured, but the number is expected to rise.

At least two dead children were severely burned, according to Fox News.

Videos posted to social media show entire areas covered in volcanic ash.

Strong winds after the eruption carried the ash as far as Guatemala City, affecting more than 1 million people.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales declared a national emergency after the deadly eruption.

Sunday evening, Guatemala's corps of army engineers said it was plowing volcanic ash off of runways at the airport in the capital city.

"All of our solidarity and support to President Jimmy Morales and the Guatemalan people for the loff of human life after the eruption of Fuego Volcano," tweeted Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

Peña added that his country has offered assistance to deal with the catastrophic event.

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