People trapped after building collapses in Lahore’s Chauburji
A building collapsed in Lahore’s Chauburji Friday afternoon. Seven people have been rescued and others are feared stuck under the debris.
Cars and motorcycles parked outside the building have been damaged and people are complaining that they can smell gas.
Initial reports suggest that an explosion occurred because of a gas leak after which the building collapsed. Eyewitnesses have narrated similar accounts.
The incident occurred when Friday prayers were being offered, according to the police. The case is being investigated.
The building belongs to a bank and it is not known how many people were inside it at the time of collapse.
‘We thought it was an earthquake’
We thought that there has been an earthquake because the ground started shaking after the explosion, an eyewitness told SAMAA TV. “I was standing on my roof when I saw a motorcyclist collide with the building after which an explosion occurred,” he said.
The area falls within the jurisdiction of the Sanda police station. It is a commercial area and many business centres, mosques and hospitals are located nearby.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.
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