Shimla, July 23: At least five people died in a fire sparked by leakage in a cooking gas cylinder at a residential building at Ner Chowk in Mandi. Many people were feared trapped, and the count of injured persons was not immediately known. Fire tenders were at the spot to douse the raging flames.

According to Rajiv Kumar, ADM Mandi, five persons lost their lives in the fire at the residential building. LPG Cylinder blast seems to be the reason behind the fire, he said. Visuals from the spot suggest the fire started from a flat on the first floor of the residential building.

The building was filled with thick black smoke following the fire. The identities of the victims were not known. Rescue operations were underway.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2018 08:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).