Shocking discovery in fire

Press, 7 November 1978, Page 8

Shocking discovery in fire

NZPA-Reuter Des Moines., lowa Surprised firefighters came across 10 bodies — and then began looking for more — (as they battled a blaze in a Des Moines. lowa, department store yesterday after officials said everyone had left the building safely. "We didn't think there ! was anyone (in the store).” said Acting Police Chief Thomas Teale. “It’s hard to say if there are more.” The flames — which began with an explosion — and thick, black smoke prevented firefighters from removing the bodies from the second floor of the Younkers department store. The police said the dead included two men and four women. The others were n ,t identified as male or female. Names were being withheld pending notification of re'aiives. Officials said only 15 to; 20 Younkers employees were' in the building when the blaze began. Police Chief; Teale said it was believed at( first that all had left the building safely. A log book kept at the Store entrance to register ihose entering and leaving the building was destroyed in the blaze, and there was no accurate record of who' was inside.