A school of piranha attacked hundreds of people bathing in an Argentina river, including seven children who lost parts of their bodies.

The bathers were attempting to keep cool in 100-degree temperatures in the Parana River on Wednesday when bathers began to complain of bite marks.

The attack was blamed on a feeding frenzy of Palometas. The fish are a type of piranha described as “big, voracious with sharp teeth.” A media official described the attack as “very aggressive”.

Paramedics told media that children lost entire fingers and toes.

Wildlife officials attributed the attack to the high temperatures heating the water and leading the fish to remain close to the surface.