9 injured in fire at Islamabad's Marriott hotel

At least nine people were injured in a major fire that erupted on Thursday, in the luxury Marriott Hotel in the Pakistani capital, five months after it was targeted by a devastating suicide car bomb attack.

The fire engulfed several floors of the hotel and plumes of thick smoke billowed out of the building, which was being renovated and repaired.

Witnesses said most of the injured persons were labourers engaged for the reconstruction of the hotel. Some persons fell unconscious due to the smoke and at least one person sustained burn injuries.

Several fire tenders rushed to the hotel to help bring the fire under control. Ambulances ferried the injured to nearby hospitals.

People living near the hotel in the heart of Islamabad said they had heard a small blast and some members of the Marriott's management said a gas boiler had exploded, sparking the fire.

Police and the hotel's management ruled out sabotage. Several foreigners staying in the hotel were evacuated by the staff.

The Marriott was devastated on September 20 last year when a suicide bomber rammed a truck filled with about 600 kg of explosives into the hotel's gate.

Nearly 60 people, including the Czech ambassador and two US Marines, were killed in one of the deadliest suicide attacks in Pakistan.

The hotel was partially opened a month ago with a hi-tech security wall and a new look.