The inquiry report into the tragic incident of fire at Lahore Development Authority (LDA) plaza was presented to caretaker Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Najam Sethi on Friday. Punjab Communication & Works secretary, who was the head of the inquiry committee, submitted the report.
Sethi said CM’s Inspection team will fix responsibility for criminal negligence resulting in fire at LDA plaza following which concerned institutions will take action.
The CM said a complete survey of all tall buildings in Lahore should be carried out to check recurrence of such incidents and LDA and City District Government should ensure availability of fire fighting equipments, emergency exits, inspection of electricity wires and other safety arrangements within their respective jurisdictions. The chief minister also ordered immediate steps for the capacity-building of Rescue-1122.
He was presiding over a high level meeting at Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The planning & development chairman, home secretary housing, principal secretary to CM, communication & works secretary, Lahore commissioner, Lahore district coordination officer, LDA Director General and other concerned personnel were present on the occasion.
The inquiry committee in its report recommended that in view of the dilapidated condition of LDA Plaza, its 7th, 8th and 9th floor should be demolished. It has further been observed in the inquiry report that there was a lack of coordination between various departments during the rescue operation in the wake of the fire incident. Old electricity wires and lack of their maintenance were the cause of fire. Moreover, rescue operation through helicopters was hampered by towers installed at the roof of the plaza.
It has been further reported that safety arrangements at LDA plaza to cope with any emergency situation were satisfactory.
Similarly, there was no arrangement for an emergency exit for people trapped in the building. The committee has further recommended strict implementation of existing laws to check recurrence of such incidents in the future.
