ISLAMABAD: At least 13 Pakistani nationals, including children, have died and three suffered severe burns after a fire broke out in their makeshift shelter near the Jordanian capital, Amman, officials said on Monday.

The victims were residing near Karameh city, next to the Dead Sea, some 40 kilometers west of Amman, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in statement on Monday.

“It is announced with sadness that 13 Pakistani nationals – seven children, four women and two men – living in Jordan have expired due to a fire which broke out in their tent,” the statement read.

The fire reportedly broke out at around 2 a.m. local time, caused by a short circuit.

According to the ministry, the victims belonged to the Joya family from Dadu district in Sindh province. The head of the family, Ali Sher Joya, survived the incident. “The family reportedly migrated from Pakistan to Jordan in the 1970s and was associated with the farming profession.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his condolences to the family of victims. He also thanked Jordanian authorities for their help and cooperation, the premier's office said on Monday evening.

The Pakistani Embassy in Amman is in touch with the victims’ relatives in Jordan.

“The ambassador and other senior officials are with the family to provide any urgent assistance. The Jordanian authorities are also extending full cooperation,” the statement said.

The Jordanian Civil Defense said in a release that the victims suffered severe burns and the incident is being investigated.

“Victims suffered severe burn injuries even as teams extinguished the fire, while the health officials provided the necessary first aid to the injured persons and shifted them to the hospital,” the Jordanian authorities said.

The following embassy officials can be reached for further assistance:

Second secretary Hasnain Haider: 00962-796912676

Additional assistant Majid Amin: 00962-796417462