At least 15 people, including 6 children, were killed while 13 others injured when a fire hit a market early Saturday in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga.

Authorities said those killed belonged to three different families who were staying inside their stalls.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local police investigator believed the fire started from an used clothing locally known as "ukay-ukay" stall about 2:45 a.m. (1845 GMT Friday) and rapidly spread in Magay area in Zone 1 Village.

Witnesses told the police that an electrical post accidentally sparked and ignited the stock of clothing.

"The fire was very quick as it immediately reached the 3rd alarm level in just minutes," City Fire Marshal Senior Superintendent Dominador Zabala Jr. said.

Firefighters had difficulties in penetrating the interior portion as the fire had almost engulfed almost the entire area, Zabala said.

About 350 stalls, including those makeshift stalls, were scorched and an adjacent 3-story commercial building was partially damaged.

Local official said many vendors and their families spend the night inside their stalls despite government ordinance prohibition.

"The victims were awaken from their slumber and tried to escape but were trapped in a corner by the fire," Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.

Witnesses said among the charred bodies were a mother hugging her child.

Some of those injured who suffered third-degree burns were rushed to different hospitals for treatment.

Source: XINHUA