LIMA - A rehab center for drug addicts in the Peruvian capital caught fire Saturday morning, killing at least 32 people.

According to local radio RPP, the fire that swept the two-storey building was caused by an explosion of a gas cooker inside the center, but eyewitnesses said the blaze started as some inmates set fire to their mattresses.

Most patients of the rehab center were unable to escape since exits were mostly locked up. Some patients survived by leaping from the windows on the second floor.

Those injured in the accident were sent to hospital for treatment and firefighters and police remained at the site for rescue and further investigation.

Local media said the rehab center had some 80 drug addicts receiving treatment.