Hafeez Centre Lahore fire intensifies, fourth floor engulfed in flames

A fire erupted inside a plaza located at the city's Gulberg main boulevard area on Sunday morning due to an electrical short circuit, spreading to the fourth floor of the building.

According to details from rescue officials, the fire broke out in a shop on the second floor of the plaza - Hafeez Centre, where laptops, mobile phones and other electronic items are sold - and spread to the fourth floor. The fire brigade was called soon after the fire broke out around 6:00 am in the morning.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar is reportedly in constant contact with the Commissioner Lahore Division and rescue officials to ascertain the situation. Mian Khalid Mahmood and Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid arrive on the scene on directions from the chief minister.

CM Buzdar issues instructions for officials to hasten rescue operation. So far, no loss of life has been reported but it is being said that electronic items worth millions have been destroyed by the flames. According to a rescue official, the fire has engulfed 30-40 shops in total and has spread to the shopping centre's backside as well. "The intensity of the fire has increased due to [the burning of] laptops and mobile phones," he said.

As rescue officials and firefighters struggled to douse the flames, several shopkeepers attempted to save their costly electronic items by carrying them away from the plaza. shopkeepers can be seen in the background, scrambling to pick up large cardboard items - packed with electronic items and carrying them out from the ground floor of the plaza.

Fear and panic spread among traders of the fire spreading to the ground floor of the building as well. The Gulberg Main Boulevard Road has been closed for traffic due to relief activities being carried out in the area. Despite the blazing inferno, some shopkeepers attempted to pull out their merchandise from the shops.

LAHORE:

-APP