400 shops burnt to ashes in Lahore's Hafeez Center fire

LAHORE (92 News) - A massive fire engulfed in Hafeez Center, a popular business center in Lahore, in the early hours of the Sunday morning and as many as 400 shops have been burnt to ashes.

According to the reports, the fire engulfed the second, third and fourth floors of the plaza and goods worth of billions rupees were burnt to ashes.

A fire broke out at Hafeez Center in Gulberg area of Lahore and dozens of shops selling mobile phones, laptops and electronic products were burnt to ashes.

More than a dozen rescue vehicles and more than 40 rescue workers are battling the blaze, which caught fire in the early hours of the morning due to a short circuit, which engulfed three floors.

The fire was so intense that black clouds covered all the sides, while the windows of the plaza began to shatter and fall down.

According to Secretary Information Hafeez Center, 400 shops selling mobile phones, laptops and electronic products were burnt to ashes.

Overall thirty-three vehicles are currently busy in controlling fire.

It was also reported that the fire was erupted due to an electrical short circuit, spreading to the fourth floor of the building.

The fire fighting teams have so far become unsuccessful to douse the blaze and busy in evacuating people in the building, whereas, some people remained trapped at the roof terrace.

Rescue officials summoned more vehicles of the fire brigade and other equipment from other districts. On the other hand, traders started taking out valuable items including computers, laptops and mobile phones from their shops on their own.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident and ordered authorities to utilise all resources for dousing the fire at earliest. He asked local administration and Rescue 1122 to take every necessary step for saving the lives and assets of the citizens.

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.

The Gulberg Main Boulevard Road has been closed for traffic due to relief activities being carried out in the area. Authorities have called for more fire brigades at the spot due to the intensity of the fire.