At least 20 dead in Qatar mall fire

Despite risking their lives to rescue, firefighters came too late: A fire in one of Qatar's biggest shopping centers, killed 20 people, including 14 children.

A fire in a shopping center in the Gulf emirate of Qatar on Monday left at least 20 people dead. Among them were 14 children, said the Qatari interior ministry. Among the victims, four teachers and two firefighters.

According to the Ministry, 17 people were injured, including many rescue workers. They suffered from burns or respiratory problems, reported hospital officials.

The cause for the outbreak of fire in the Villaggio Mall in Doha was unclear. According to initial reports, the fire broke out in a nursery on the upper floor of the mall. A total of 20 children had been trapped there by the fire after a staircase collapsed.

According to media reports, the firemen had to climb onto the roof of the building to reach the place. The Villaggio Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Qatar. It was opened in 2006. The shops and restaurants lie in canals, on which visitors can ride a gondola.