A major fire that broke out at a restaurant in Ferozepur Cantonment on Wednesday morning claimed the life of an employee.

Dense smoke was noticed when the establishment was opened in the morning, prompting staff members to raise an alarm.

Four fire tenders were rushed to the spot and firefighters launched an operation to contain the blaze before it could spread to nearby buildings.

Fire officials said the tenders had to refill water 22 times during the firefighting operation.

During the exercise, firefighters recovered the charred body of an employee, identified as Tulsi, from inside the premises. He was taken to the Civil Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Dr Karaj of the Civil Hospital said the body was severely burnt when it was brought to the hospital. "The body has been kept in the mortuary and the police have been informed. A postmortem examination will be conducted after receiving police clearance," he said.

Eyewitnesses said the fire was confined to the interior portion of the restaurant but caused extensive damage to furniture and other belongings. The incident triggered panic among employees and residents of the surrounding area.