Ten children killed in hostel blaze tragedy

The fire broke out late on Wednesday at the children's hostel in Palin, a small town in Koloriang district, said Remo Kamki, the district magistrate.

Lokam Tasar, a state politician who flew to Palin by helicopter, said four children were missing and a search had been launched for them.

He said 62 students at a nearby Don Bosco school were staying at the privately-run hostel.

The bamboo and wood building had only one exit, making it difficult for the children to flee, he said.

"Most of the older children jumped out of the windows but the younger children could not escape and they were among those who died," Mr Tasar said.

The fire began in the kitchen but soon engulfed the building, quickly killing seven boys and three girls, he said.

Local residents helped put out the fire and took the injured, some of whom were badly burned, to a nearby hospital.