LAHORE - Two people sustained injuries as Taj cinema caught fire in Lahore’s Garhi Shahu area yesterday afternoon.
The burn victims were shifted to a hospital where their condition was reported to be stable. Both the injured identified as Asghar and Faheem, were said to be passersby. Heavy flames and smoke were seen pouring out of the building.
The blaze completely destroyed the building, rescue workers said, suggesting the authorities to demolish the structure located in city’s downtown.
Initial investigation revealed that the fire erupted because of short-circuiting. Luckily, no one was present inside the building when the fire broke out on the first floor. The blaze spread quickly and it engulfed the entire structure within minutes.
At least seven fire brigade units reached the spot but after a considerable delay. They launched the operation and managed to put out the fire hectic efforts. An official said that one fire fighting unit reached the site within minutes but they could not control the fire as it spread quickly. The furniture and other valuables were reduced to ashes.
Heavy police contingents rushed to the spot soon after the incident and cordoned off the area to ensure smooth operations. Several nearby buildings were evacuated as the blaze triggered panic in the populated locality amid sizzling temperature.
The city district government was investigating the incident.