Two dead as blaze doused at Islamabad's Awami Markaz

ISLAMABAD: Two people were dead after a huge fire that broke out in the six-storey Awami Markaz building in the federal capital on Sunday, ARY New reported.

Fire fighters along with rescue officials from the Pakistan Navy took part in the rescue operation, and managed to douse the fire after hectic efforts of over ten years. The entire building located in the red zone area of the city was completely burned in the incident exposing the hapless of the city administration.

Two people, identified as Ali Raza and Umer, panicked and jumped off the fourth floor of the building. Ali Raza died on the spot while Umer succumbed to his injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital. Both were said to be late night shift employees in the building.

The fire reportedly started at around 8 AM in the offices of the federal tax ombudsman located on the ground floor and quickly engulfed four storeys of the building.

The smoke clouds also spread across the area as authorities appeared hapless to douse the fire. The building is located near the state TV headquarters, a five-star hotel, several private and government offices.

According to a fire service officer there were seven fire tenders who struggled to put out the fire. Another person was also found unconscious on the fourth floor and had died from suffocation.

Rescue workers said a short-circuit caused the fire which soon engulfed the entire building. Rainfall and wind compounded the problems for them to extinguish it.

A four member committee has been formed to probe the incident. It will be head by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Shoaib and is tasked to submit a report within three days.