Fire engulfs commercial plaza in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A fire broke out on the basement of a commercial plaza, Ghosia Center, in the Blue Area Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad on Wednesday afternoon.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has also reached on the scene. While talking to the journalists, the federal minister said that rescue officials took timely action and saved the lives of 11 people. He said that the fire started due to the short circuit that was brought under control in one and half hours. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad was also present.

According to the reports, nine fire tenders rushed to the site and immediately swung into action to douse the fire.. Police said that people have been rescued from the plaza.

The reports also said that the people stuck inside the building. The blaze started in the basement of the plaza located in Islamabad’s Blue Area. A short-circuit was said to the reason for the fire while rescue authorities launched an operation to rescue the people stranded inside the building.

Rescue teams used cranes to take out the people stuck inside the plaza.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat said that fire broke out in ghosia plaza in Blue Area.

He tweeted, "All in control. Excellent response by Police and Fire Dept. Alhamdolillah 11 lives saved. FIR being registered against the owner for blocking exit route. Probable Cause of Fire is heater or short circuit."