No casualties reported but businessmen face heavy monetary loss
ISLAMABAD: A destructive fire erupted at Gulf Centre Shopping Plaza in Rawalpindi, leading to the burning of dozens of shops.
The incident occurred in the afternoon when most people were on holiday due to Ashura.
The fire rapidly spread across the second floor of the plaza, engulfing numerous shops filled with garments, clothes, and jewellery. It didn’t stop at Gulf Centre but extended to adjacent buildings, including Rabi Plaza and China Centre.
Rescue 1122 called for assistance from firefighters at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to control the fire. However, the suspension of mobile signals hindered the timely reach of Rescue 1122, which also posed challenges in coordinating the rescue operation.
It took nearly three hours of continuous efforts to bring the fire under control.By the time the authorities contained the blaze, it had reduced dozens of shops to ashes, resulting in the loss of goods worth billions of rupees.
The shopping plaza, which housed around 250 to 300 shops, mainly comprised clothing stores on the ground floor and rug and blanket shops on the upper floor.
Rescue teams promptly evacuated all the people inside the mall, and they reported no casualties.
Rescue Incharge Sibghatullah said, “Our first response vehicle arrived promptly, but the remaining vehicles faced delays due to a traffic blockage.” He mentioned that the absence of proper ventilation facilities inside the plaza resulted in the smoke spreading to neighboring buildings.
As of now, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Nationwide Observance Of Ashura With High-Security Alert
Meanwhile, processions commemorating this historic day are taking place in major cities and towns, where scholars and orators are actively delivering sermons, shedding light on various aspects of the Karbala tragedy.
To ensure the safety of mourners during the processions, elaborate security arrangements have been implemented nationwide to prevent any untoward incidents.
