Pakistan
Deadly fire engulfs shopping plaza in Lahore’s Gulberg
A deadly fire broke out at a private shopping plaza in Lahore’s Gulberg late Sunday night.
The flames of the blaze raged all night as over 20 fire trucks tried to put it out. The fire engulfed the four-storey mall leaving at least 400 shops reduced to ashes.
According to rescue officials, immediately after fire erupted, hundreds of shopkeepers gathered outside the plaza, trying to get inside and save as much of their goods as possible.
They, however, failed to do so because the flames were of an intensity that could gulp down everything that came in its way.
After more than eight hours, the fire brigade team, of more than 60 people, managed to douse the blaze.
Accident or arson?
Shopkeepers have accused the owners of the plaza of arson. “A few weeks back, one of them came up and offered to purchase our shops,” one of the victims said. “But we refused.”
Another shop owner said that it is impossible that a huge fire like this could erupt because of a short circuit. “We recently installed a proper electric system inside the plaza,” he added.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of Lahore has instructed the police to immediately start investigation into the matter. “How is it possible that a fire suddenly broke out at 1am on a Sunday, when the plaza was closed,” he wondered.
The commissioner added that two men, including the security in-charge of the plaza, have been arrested for hindering the rescue efforts.
