KATHMANDU, MARCH 26
A massive fire has engulfed The Centre Plaza, a 10-storey shopping mall at the main square of Itahari city.
The blaze, which broke out on the fifth floor around 9:30 AM, has trapped several people inside, prompting urgent rescue efforts.
According to police, the fire originated in the middle floors, forcing rescuers to evacuate people from the upper levels. Sounds of gas cylinder explosions have been reported from inside the building.
Locals, along with personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police, are actively engaged in the rescue operation. Authorities are using ropes to bring out those stranded inside. It has been learnt that over 10 people have been rescued so far from inside the plaza. However, several others are believed to be trapped inside.
In response to the escalating situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed a Nepali Army helicopter to assist in rescue operations and help contain the inferno.
Efforts to douse the fire and ensure the safety of those trapped are ongoing.
