Goods worth millions gutted in two fire incidents in Pindi

RAWALPINDI:

Goods worth millions of rupees were burned to ashes in two fire incidents in the city on Thursday. The cause of blazes couldn’t be ascertained. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in both incidents.

A major blaze erupted in a Sasta bazaar situated on Misrial Road near Chauhar Chowk, burning down more than 70 stalls. More than 30 firefighters and locals took part in firefighting and brought the fire under control after two hours.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire erupted at a stall and engulfed the entire market in a few moments. The intensity of the fire was so high that people in the nearby population started screaming for help, with many climbing the roofs to save their lives.

The flames continued to rise. Initially, stallholders and locals attempted to control the fire but failed. Later, the rescuer services took part in a major operation.

According to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, more than 11 fire tenders and over 30 firefighters participated in the extinguishing process. Initially, the cause of the fire was not known. The cooling process was still going on till the filing of the report.

In the second incident, a fire broke out on the upper floor of a warehouse containing vehicle spare parts and foam in Babu Mohalla. Rescue 1122 and Rawalpindi Cantonment fire brigade rushed to the spot and knocked down the flames in about two hours. The Cantonment police lodged a report and began an investigation.

Traders have estimated their losses in millions. Rescue 1122 and police have launched investigations to determine the cause of the fire.