Lahore building blaze claims six lives

LAHORE: At least six people were burnt to death in a massive blaze here in Lahore, Geo News reported.

Sources said the fire after gutting the third floor of a building here on Abbot Road in downtown Lahore, also made inroads into four other blocks in the neighbourhood before the firemen could do anything.

According to latest reports, after four hours of firefighting the blaze was somewhat brought under control but it restarted in the building it initially erupted following a short circuit.

"The fire restated during the cooling process. We were not expecting it. A possible backdraft or a flashover may have led to it", said a firefighter.

However the fire was finally died down a few hours later.

Earlier eyewitnesses said the fire seemed to be too big for the fire brigade busy fighting it on the ground to control.

"Rescue workers were in drastic need of backup as more tenders are required to deal with an inferno big as this one", they added.

Reportedly 14 fire tenders are taking part in the operation.

The smoke was still clouding above the smoldering buildings as the rescuers scurried in search of survivors or bodies, sources added.

Rescuers brought several people to safety from the building on fire.

Rescue sources fear more casualties as there was no knowing how many more people were trapped inside the commercial blocks engulfed by the fire.