Overnight slum fire brings tragedy to Karachi
The deaths occurred overnight in Karachi
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Friday, 09, Jan 2009 09:56
Nearly 40 people, around half of whom are believed to be children, have been killed in a slum fire in the Pakistani port of Karachi.
The blaze broke out overnight in Pakistan's largest city, leaving 39 people killed. Up to 22 are believed to be children.
The AFP news agency reported around 30 huts were gutted while the Press Trust of India claimed the high walls of surrounding buildings on three sides limited the ability of the roughly 200 people who lived in the slum to escape.
Mohammed Asghar told AFP his sister, brother-in-law and their seven children had perished in the fire.
"My eldest nephew has asked for a new toy car which I could not afford to buy for him. I'll regret that forever," he said.
It is not yet clear what caused the blaze.
Some reports claim an open fire used for warmth was responsible. Many in Pakistan cannot afford gas heating.
Others suggested a power wire falling on to the roof of huts was responsible.