At least 12 killed in Pakistan building collapse

LAHORE - At least 12 people were killed and as many injured in Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore on Tuesday when three buildings collapsed after gas cylinders exploded, police and witnesses said.

More people were feared trapped in the debris of the buildings, comprising shops and residential flats, witnesses said.

Police said 12 bodies had been recovered from the site.

The cause of the blast was not immediately known but police ruled out sabotage.

"Around 3.30am, cylinders were being filled with gas when a loud explosion took place. The three buildings collapsed after the blast and people of the neighbourhood came rushing out," Superintendent Police Mobin Ahmed told reporters.

Residents said about 40 people lived in the three buildings and most of them would have been asleep at the time of the blast.

- REUTERS