HETAUNDA: At least 36 persons were injured when a fire broke out at the Land Survey Office in Makwanpur on Wednesday afternoon.

According to DSP Bamdev Gautam of the District Police Office, Makawanpur, the fire apparently broke out at a restaurant and spread to the adjoining Land Survey Office.

The fire broke out after a cooking gas cylinder exploded, according to police.

DSP Gautam said that the injured are receiving treatment at the Hetaunda Hospital and the Chure Hill Hospital.

Among the injured, Saroj Lal Shrestha (45) of Hetaunda-5 is said to be in critical condition. He has been referred to Bharatpur for further treatment.

DSP Gautam said that two computers, a typewriter, furniture and some documents were destroyed in the fire.

However, full assessment of the properties destroyed in the fire is yet to be made.

Hetaunda Sub-Metropolitan City's fire engine doused the fire with the help of locals, and the security personnel from Nepal Police and Nepal Army after an hour.