Tuesday, June 14 2005 17:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Lakhimpur Kheri (UP): Eight children and three women were charred to death in a devastating fire in Sujan Tanda village in Lakhimpuri Kheri this afternoon (Jun 14, 2005).

The fire, which apparently started from the kitchen of one of the houses, quickly spread gutting 30 to 35 houses in Bhira area, Superintendent of Police Zaqi Ahmed said.

While eight children and three women were killed while several others received burn injuries and were rushed to the hospital, Ahmed said adding that some cattle heads also perished in the fire.

Fire tenders from Gola town were rushed to douse the flames. Relief work had been launched in full swing. The loss of property was being assessed, Ahmed added.