Five fell to death as fire erupts at Lahore building

LAHORE: At least five people have been killed as a fire broke out at the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) plaza here on Thursday.

According to reports, all five people lost their lives as they fell from the seventh floor of the building while attempting to descend through ropes.

A huge fire erupted at 12:00 pm at the seventh flour of the LDA plaza and engulfed two more floors within minutes, leaving several people stranded. Army helicopters snorkels and Rescue 1122 were busy in rescue activities.

Exact number of the people trapped in the building was yet to be known. TV footage showed people screaming for help as flames starting engulfing the building. Some of them jumped after finding nobody coming to their rescue.

An LDA employee identified as Iqbal died at a local hospital after being rushed to the medical facility. He has lost grip over the rope when people on the top floor were trying to rescue him.

The dead and injured were taken to Gangua Ram Hospital. Relatives and passers by gathered around the building with eyes full of tears as they found themselves helpless in the chaotic situation.