Manchester - An investigation was launched yesterday into the cause of a major hotel fire which left two people dead. Staff at the Moat House in Bolton, Greater Manchester, evacuated most of the 128 guests shortly after midnight as the fire took hold. But as 50 fire-fighters attempted to bring it under control it became clear "several people were unaccounted for", a Greater Manchester Fire Service spokesman said.
A team of 20 fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus began a search. A man and a woman were found in a corridor on the third floor. They were rushed by ambulance to Bolton Royal Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Two more people suffering from smoke inhalation were also taken to hospital, but later released.