MANAMA, May 28 (GDN) : Ten Bangla- deshi workers suffocated in their sleep early yesterday morning after fire broke out in their unregistered labour accommodation. It is thought the fire was sparked by a short-circuit at 4am and the victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Neighbours tried in vain to put out the blaze at the single-storey residential property in East Riffa by throwing water onto the roof, having been unable to break through the only door providing access to the accommodation.

Emergency crews were able to knock down the door and also gained entry by removing an air-conditioning unit, but paramedics were unable to revive the victims after they were carried out.

Initial investigations revealed the deceased were illegal residents, said Labour Ministry Under-Secretary for Labour Affairs Dr Mohammed Ali Al Ansari.

Labour Minister Jameel Humaidan expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

Bangladesh Embassy First Secretary Mohammed Ebrahim visited the scene and was briefed by investigators.

"This is a true tragedy and I am sorry to see they (workers) live in such poor conditions," he told the GDN.

Public Security chief Major Tariq Al Hassan described the property where the victims were living as a "cage" with no ventilation.

"It was a small incident but the loss is huge," he said.