SUKKUR, May 2 A minor boy was burnt to death and an unspecified number of men and women suffered burns when fires broke out in two villages near here on Saturday.

Fire engulfed at least 50 huts and mud-thatched houses in Jumo Dakhan village near Thull, burning alive more than 20 animals, stored grain stocks and valuable belongings. A minor boy and a number of villagers suffered burns.

Reports reaching here said that the dust-storm and strong winds caused the fire to spread within seconds.

Fire brigades called from Jacobabad and Thull were trying to put out the fire but they were not able to bring it under control till filing of this report.

Affected villagers told journalists that more than 20 animals were burnt alive while many people including women and children were injured.

In another incident, a minor boy was burnt alive and a woman was injured when fire broke out in a village near Khanpur Mahar.

Reports said that the fire reduced five houses to ashes.