RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: A huge fire broke out in a production unit of the famous refrigerating making factory ‘Waves’ in Hanjarwal vicinity of the provincial capital on Friday.

After receiving information of the incident, a heavy contingent of police and firefighters reached the spot and cordoned off the area. However, the fire rapidly engulfed the entire building and nearby installations causing colossal losses to traders, commuters and locals, rescuers said.

Till filing of this report, the rescuers could not manage to extinguish the strong fire even after the passage of almost four hours. Some vehicles were also burnt and huge clouds of smoke caused breathing problems for the locals. Fortunately, no causality or injury has been reported yet.

According to the rescuers, the blaze got harsh when it engulfed some plastic and chemical material. They said there was also a stock of gas cylinders and compressors but fortunately none of them exploded. Apparently, it seems the incident occurred due to an electric short circuit but asserted that a final version will be maintained after a thorough probe, they added.

Soon after the incident, it was noted that many people, especially youngsters, gathered around the site but police did not bother to properly handle the situation. A heavy traffic mess was also the part of the episode.