960411

15 killed, 100 hurt

in fire at

German airport

DUESSELDORF, Germany: At least fifteen people died after fire broke out on Thursday at one of the terminals at Duesseldorf international airport, police said.

Firefighters recovered between 100 and 150 injured travellers, a spokesman for Duesseldorf police said. The fire was still burning and firefighters were still trying to gain control of the blaze at 1930 local time (1730 GMT).

"Rescue workers found some of the bodies in a lift in the arrivals section. We are not ruling out further deaths," said Duesseldorf police spokesman Ulrich Rumwerth.

The fire started at about 1600 local time (1400 GMT) and spread rapidly through Terminal A, which primarily serves German airline Lufthansa's domestic and international flights, police said.

"There are people suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation," a fire service spokesman said, adding that the cause of the fire was not yet known.

All firefighting units in Duesseldorf were deployed to put out the blaze, while fire engines and teams poured in to help from the surrounding area.-Reuter