Seven Pakistanis killed in fire incident in Canada

Seven Pakistanis including four children were killed in Canada's Ottawa city after their house caught fire following Canada Day celebrations.

The News International reported quoting police that the blaze tore through the home in Chestermere, just east of Calgary, at about 2.30 am following Canada Day celebrations.

Three adults and four children ranging in age from four to 12 died in the fire, they said.

"A boy and a girl, both 12, an eight-year-old girl, and a four-year-old boy perished in the fire. A man and a woman both thought to be 38 years old and another woman approximately age 35 also died," said Cpl. Tammy Keibel.

An adult man and four children were able to escape the blaze, the officer said.

Local media reported that the home was owned by Amjad Kamal, the man who survived the fire.

"Amjad, his wife and his five children were hosting his brother Asad Kamal and his wife and three children for a barbecue, after which they stayed overnight," the report said.

The reason for the blaze was being investigated.

In response to queries regarding the tragic deaths of seven Canadian Pakistanis, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragic incident. We also pray for the quick and full recovery of the injured."

He said that the Consulate General in Vancouver is in contact with the relevant Canadian authorities to ascertain the facts, and with the bereaved family to offer all possible assistance.

The spokesperson added that they were informed by the relevant Canadian authorities that the cause of the fire is still unknown, however, preliminary investigations indicate that it's not criminal in nature.

( With inputs from ANI )

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