13 killed as storm batters Buenos Aires

A strong storm in Argentina’s capital has blown down trees and destroyed roofs, killing at least 13 people in the region and leaving more than 20 injured. Authorities said four people died in the capital of Buenos Aires as hail fell and heavy gusts of wind tore through the city Wednesday night. One person was killed when a wall collapsed, and three others died under a roof that fell, city official Maria Eugenia Vidal told the Argentine television channel Telefe. “There’s an enormous task ahead to repair the damage,” Vidal said.  “We have nearly 110 fallen trees.” Nine more people died in areas near Buenos Aires, including one who was electrocuted and eight who were crushed by toppled walls or fallen roofs, the regional emergency agency reported on Thursday. Some gusts exceeded 100 kph. The storm knocked down signs, destroyed some cars and shattered highway toll booths. Lampposts fell as well as power lines, knocking out electricity in some areas. “It was really hellish. It even destroyed some movie theaters. Some residents reported broken windows,” said Diego Santilli, the environment minister of Buenos Aires, to the television channel C5N.