Crowds watch in horror as Lahore fire victims jump to their deaths

Five people have plunged to their deaths trying to escape a burning government building in eastern Pakistan.

Police officer Maruf Wahla says the death toll could rise, since firefighters have not been able to enter all areas of the nine-storey building in the city of Lahore.

Local TV stations broadcast dramatic footage of people jumping from the Lahore Development Authority building as smoke poured from the windows.

A crowd of horrified Pakistanis stood at the base of the building looking up.

Mr Wahla says the fire started with a spark from a generator. Many buildings in Pakistan have their own generators because of frequent power cuts.