E-Paper
Massive fire breaks out at Centaurus Mall in Pakistan’s Islamabad | Videos
Video footage broadcast on Pakistani news channels showed smoke billowing from the tower.
A massive fire broke out on the third floor of the Centaurus Mall in Pakistan's Islamabad on Sunday and is reportedly spreading across other floors, including the residential apartments located on the upper section of the building, reported The Express Tribune.
However, there was no casualty and the blaze has been completely contained and the building sealed for further investigation. Capital Development Authority (CDA) chief Mohammad Usman Younis, who supervised the operation to control the fire, said that it took two hours to control the blaze.
He said the fire brigade, Pakistan navy, Pakistan Air Force and Rescue 1122 took part in the firefighting operation. According to police, electric short-circuiting at a restaurant located in the food court area of the mall caused the fire which spread to the residential apartment of the high-rise.
Video: Pak: Huge blaze engulfs Centaurus mall in Islamabad, Firefighters on the spot I Details
The Pakistan media also reported that a delay in the arrival of rescue teams had increased the intensity of the fire as it was rapidly spreading from the third to the first floor of the building, as well as the upper sections where residential apartments are located.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered relevant authorities to take immediate action.
“It is very unfortunate that this incident happened in this well-known business centre. I pray that there is no loss of life. Condolences and sympathies for the financial losses of the victims,” he tweeted.
Video footage broadcast on Pakistani news channels showed smoke billowing from the tower.
Many on social media posted video clips showing people running down the mall’s escalators in panic as they panicking as they attempted to leave the building.
The incident has raised questions on the security of tall residential complexes that are becoming a norm in Pakistan as more and more people are opting for apartments.
