Islamabad - A blaze in the slums of the Pakistani port city of Karachi left at least 39 people dead, local broadcaster GEO TV reported early Friday.

There were numerous women and children among the dead.

Sleeping residents were reportedly engulfed by fire, which spread so rapidly that many victims were unable to even flee the shacks in which they live. Some of the dead were burned beyond recognition.

Survivors including some with severe burns were brought to nearby hospitals.

Local reports said that the fire started when a power line fell onto the roof of a shanty. (dpa)