Deputy Chief Fire Officer T G Nankani told Express Newsline that the cause of the blaze has not yet been ascertained. ``We shall thoroughly inspect the building and try to pinpoint the reason for the fire and its consequent flare-up,'' Nankani said.
The fire, which claimed two lives and injured 15 persons, began at around 7.30 pm. It was brought under control past midnight though cooling operations continued till 6 am today. Nankani said the two bodies recovered from the third floor were those of fourth-floor residents who were burnt to death while climbing down the staircase.
He said that though there were shops on the ground floor, most of the building up to the third storey was used for commercial purposes. Eight persons are still in hospital, fire brigade said.

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