Explosion Kills Two In Guatemalan Palace

A powerful explosion ripped through a building near the presidential palace Monday, killing two women and wounding a third.

The seven-story Lubia building is some 100 yards from President Alvaro Arzu’s office. Herbert Leiva, a fire department official, said the explosion occurred around 11 a.m. on the fourth floor.

State security officers told reporters the blast appeared to be caused by an explosive device. They said they were investigating reports that two men were seen placing a satchel in the building, then fleeing.