Fire kills 12 snack shop workers in India
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Indian fire officials inspect the burnt down shop in Mumbai, Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. (AP)
An overnight fire in Mumbai killed 12 workers early Monday at a shop that made and sold fried snacks, according to Indian media reports.
A survivor, 28-year-old Tushar Pawar, told The Associated Press that he saw the fire in the center of the workshop area about 4 a.m.
"Those who were outside were able to move out, but those who were inside, they were trapped and could not come out," he said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A disaster management official told the Press Trust of India news agency that 12 workers succumbed to the intense heat and smoke.
A police officer stands guard as fire officials clear the debris from a burnt down shop in Mumbai, Monday, Dec. 18, 2017. (AP)
Those workers were taken to a hospital and declared dead on arrival, authorities said.
Investigators were trying to determine the cause of the fire, which gutted the workshop area and the shop itself. It made "farsan," a salty snack enjoyed with tea.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Associated Press contributed to this report.