Itahari: Fire has engulfed a 10-storey mall at the main square of Itahari city. The building, known as The Center Plaza, suddenly caught fire and efforts are on to bring out the people inside the building and douse the fire.
According to National News Agency Nepal, rescue operations are being carried out from the upper floor of the building as the fire broke out in the middle floor and people trapped inside the building are waiting for rescue, police said.
Locals and personnel of Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police have been engaged in rescue operations.
The fire broke out on the fifth floor of the building at around 9.30 am today. It is said sound of gas cylinders exploding could be heard. People trapped inside the mall are being brought out with the help of ropes.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said that a helicopter of Nepali Army has been sent to Itahari to help with the rescue efforts and promptly bringing the inferno under control.