Children among 7 Pakistan-origin family members killed in Canada house fire

Gulf Today Report

Seven members of a Pakistan-origin family were killed in a house fire in the Canadian province of Alberta, media reports said on Saturday.

Four children also lost their lives when their residence burned down late on Friday, the Canadian officials said. Luckily five people managed to free from the incident site, they said.

Among the dead are a 38-year-old man and woman, a 35-year-old male, a 12-year-old boy girl, an eight-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy.
Mourners gather at the scene of the house fire in Chestermere. AP

According to a local Muslim leader, the two families were staying in the gutted house. He also said that one of the families had recently shifted to stay at the residence.

The entire community is reeling from the news of the deadly blaze fire, Chestermere mayor Chalmers said in a statement.  We will join together to help the affected family grieve, he added.

The mayor also thanked the efforts of first responders as well as the many people across the country for their thoughts and prayers.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, but investigation is underway.

Firefighters at the scene of a hose fire. AP

In a statement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi offered condolences and prayed for the deceased.

"I am deeply shocked over the loss of the Pakistani families in a deadly fire incident. We are in contact with the Canadian officials for a probe into the incident."

Qureshi also issued instructions to Pakistan’s high commissioner to Canada and its consulate to immediately contact with the grieved family.