Fire claims 14 lives in India's Mumbai

NEW DELHI, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people were killed and several others injured in India's financial hub Mumbai in the wee hours of Friday, when a fire broke out in a restaurant and spread to other areas in a multi-storey building.

The cause of the blaze could not be known yet. Fire-fighters took more than three hours to douse the fire, said media reports.

According to the reports, the "Trade House" building, where the fire broke out, is located in Lower Parel area in the popular Kamla Mills compound. The ill-fated building houses offices of TV news channels, entertainment channels, radio stations, restaurants and hotels.

As a result of the fire, telecast of a few TV channels and broadcast of radio stations have stopped.

The fire started in the "One Above" restaurant located at the third floor of the building, and soon spread to other restaurants including "Mojo's Lounge" and a bar situated on the terrace.

There were around 50 people in "One Above" restaurant when the fire broke out. One birthday party was going on in the restaurant. The fire spread rapidly since the restaurants had wooden furniture.

As soon as the fire spread, most of the people ran towards a toilet which too was filled with smoke. Most of the casualties, including 12 women and two men, occurred due to suffocation.

TV reports quoted eye-witnesses as saying that there was a stampede inside the building as people ran down the stairs.

According to latest reports, a police complaint has been filed against the owner of "One Above" restaurant for negligence.

The Kamla Mills compound is a popular hanging out spot for local people in central Mumbai. Enditem