LAHORE: Valuables worth millions of rupees were burnt to ashes when a fire erupted after a LPG Gas cylinder burst near the furniture market (Neelam Ghar) in the Johar Town area on Sunday. At least five people received serious burn injuries while several motorcycles and a car were completely damaged due to heavy fire which also sparked panic and terror among the locals. According to details, the incident occurred near Hakeem Chowk Johar Town when a LPG cylinder burst in a shop situated near furniture market which also caught fire. The fire spread rapidly to the nearby temporary furniture market. Upon being informed, a number of furniture market owners, locals, rescuers and police reached the spot and started rescue operation. However, the fire spread whole temporary furniture market or Neelam Ghar (new and old furniture sale and purchase point) resulting in completely damaging the furniture market. Some of owners also tried to save their shops but failed while five people received severe burn injuries. The injured persons were shifted to a nearby hospital where their condition said to be critical. According to rescuers, almost fifteen fire tenders took part in the operation and finally managed to put out the blaze after three hours of hectic effort. No casualty was reported till the filing of this report. Police said that initially the incident occurred after the cylinder blast near the furniture market, however, police are investigating the issue with all angles and strict action would be taken against the violators as per law. The owners also staged protest demonstration against Rescue 1122 and blamed that rescue teams having reached the scene very late and they have also not fully equipped with technology as well as water tanks. They appealed to government that an inquiry would be held about the incident and a report to help the poor people who have lost millions of rupees in this tragic incident.
Published in Daily Times, February 5th 2018.
