Central Plaza fire: Helicopter rescued trapped individuals
The blaze, which started around 9:30 AM, has yet to be brought under control.
KATHMANDU: A devastating fire broke out at Central Plaza, located at Itahari Chowk, on Wednesday morning, causing significant damage and trapping several individuals inside the building.
The fire, which started around 9:30 AM, is believed to have originated on the fifth floor before rapidly spreading to the sixth and seventh floors of the nine-story building.
Central Plaza houses various establishments, including the Verandah Hotel, a restaurant, a cinema hall, a bank, a café, and several shops.
As the blaze continued to spread uncontrollably, a Nepali Army helicopter was swiftly deployed to assist in the rescue operation. Two individuals were rescued by the helicopter, but many others remain trapped inside the building.
According to the Itahari Area Police Office, seven people have been rescued so far, but the exact number of those still trapped is uncertain.
Efforts to control the fire have proven difficult, and local authorities have reported that it is impossible to enter the building due to the intensity of the flames.
In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs quickly mobilized resources to assist with the rescue and firefighting efforts. A joint team comprising Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the Nepal Army has been dispatched to the site.
Furthermore, a team of 105 security personnel from the Armed Police Force’s Number 1 Barah Battalion has been sent to help manage the crisis.
As the situation remains critical, authorities are focusing on controlling the fire from the outside, with the support of the military helicopter.
Efforts to rescue those trapped inside continue, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all those affected by the devastating blaze.
