LAHORE: Rescue 1122 Fire Service in its initial inquiry report on Tuesday stated the fire that erupted in Anarkali Bazaar spread quickly in the three-storey Alkarim watch market owing to a chain reaction in a stockpile of battery cells.

However, the service could not determine the exact cause of the fire.

A source privy to the investigation told Dawn it appeared that a stock of battery cells at a shop exploded like bombs soon after catching fire as they had a considerable combustible material inside.

Also read: Fire in Lahore market kills 13

He said the investigation was exploring possibilities of a short circuit in power cables, lit cigarette and a heater, adding the report finalised by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) would help determine the exact cause.

The source said the 13 victims were trapped on the ground and first floors because of only a single entrance to the plaza and that they could not use stairs leading to the third storey because the owner had blocked access to the rooftop by constructing another shop.

He further said three shops were completely gutted while some others partially damaged.

Meanwhile, experts of Rescue 1122 and PFSA revisited the plaza to collect more evidence and a re-evaluation of the incident.

Deputy Inspector General Dr Haider Ashraf said police had not initiated action yet as they were waiting for the outcome of a high-level inquiry committee constituted by the chief minister.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2014