Kathmandu: Eleven people trapped in the inferno at the Centre Plaza mall at the main square of Itahari city have been rescued. Among those rescued are three women and eight men, said Chief of the Koshi Province Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Rajan Adhikari.
According to National News Agency Nepal, nearly 300 personnel of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army have been mobilized for rescue operations and efforts to bring the fire under control. Additionally, 12 fire engines from various local governments have been deployed to extinguish the flames.
The fire erupted at the 10-storey building this morning. The Ministry of Home Affairs dispatched a helicopter from the Nepali Army to the site immediately after receiving information about people being trapped on various floors of the building.
The trapped individuals have been rescued with the assistance of the helicopter. DIGP Adhikari stated that efforts are ongoing to control the fire.