At least two people were killed as a fire engulfed the Awami Markaz Software Technology Park, a building which houses the offices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) as well as Federal Tax Ombudsman and others.
Initial reports stated that the fire erupted in the upper floors of the six-storey building, however, later officials said the fire began on the ground floor near an office of the Federal Tax Ombudsman.
Rescue officials said the two people who died did not need to jump from the building as a fire exit was available. They added that the two worked at a call centre inside the building and were injured from the fall. They were shifted to separate hospitals but succumbed to their injuries.
Fire fighters managed to douse a huge blaze after two hours of hectic efforts and then started the ‘cooling efforts’. Seven fire tenders took part in the operation to douse the flames, according to rescue officials.
Sources said the fire was reportedly caused by short-circuiting. The building is located in the capital’s Red Zone, close to other important government buildings and a five-star hotel.
Two vehicles parked in the building’s parking area were also damaged as a result of the fire. Rangers and police were also on site to assist in rescue efforts.
