Meerut (UP) | Four children were killed while their parents suffered injuries when a fire broke out at their home in Pallavapuram area here, police said on Sunday.

The fire started due to a short circuit on Saturday while a mobile phone was being charged, they said.

The father of the children Johny told police that the fire broke out while charging a mobile phone. There was a short circuit and the bed sheet caught fire, he said.

The victims have been identified as Sarika (10), Niharika (8), Sanskar (6) and Kalu (4).

While Johny, who works as a labourer, is said to be out of danger, the condition of his wife Babita is critical and she is being referred to the AIIMS, New Delhi.

A probe is underway, the police said.