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Fire causes huge damage to Awami Markaz in Red Zone; two killed by jumping from 4th floor

September 10, 2017

ISLAMABAD: Sep 10 (INP) Fire fighters managed to douse a huge blaze that erupted inside the Awami Markazi Software Technology Park, a building which houses the offices of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) as well as Federal Tax Ombudsman and others. Sources said the fire erupted in the ground floor of the building that houses the offices of Tax Ombudsman. Seven fire tenders took part in the opration to douse the flames, according to rescue officials. The firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze in around two hours of hectic efforts and then started the 'cooling efforts'. Sources said the fire was reportedly caused by short-circuiting. The building is located in the capital’s Red Zone, close to other important government buildings and a five-star hotel. Sources said the two persons who jumped out of the building to save their lives identified as Ali Raza and Umer Ejaz later died in the hospital Rescue officials said both are staffers at a call centre located inside the building. Two vehicles parked in the building's parking area were also damaged as a result of the fire. Rangers and police were also on site to assist in rescue efforts. CDA sources said that seven fire tenders and officials of rangers and police took part in the rescue operation INP/AH