69 killed in Guatemala volcanic eruption

At least 69 people were killed and hundreds others injured when the Fuego Volcano, 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the capital Guatemala City, erupted on Monday.

Guatemala's National Disaster Management Agency (CONRED) said there were also several missing people.

According to the BBC, the volcanic eruption swept ashes, rocks, and black smoke into the sky.

CONRED said a river of lava had destroyed houses and burned people inside the village of El Rodeo.

Several children and some aid workers were among the dead, the agency said.

The agency urged residents living near the volcano to evacuate immediately.

According to a CNN report, CONRED head Sergio Garcia Cabanas said around 1.7 million people had been affected by the eruption.