RAWALPINDI: A large section of Gakhar Plaza has collapsed on Saturday killing eight people who were caught in the building and severely injuring four others while 9 people are missing in the incident.

Meanwhile, rescue operation continues and the work of removing debris has been further increased. Heavy searchlights have been installed on the spot due to lack of electricity in the area.

According to Civil Defence sources, 9 people including rescue workers are missing whereas district nazim Javed Ikhlas said that a number of persons still trapped under the debris may be 15-20.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, taking the strict notice of the incident, have ordered the authorities responsible for the detailed report on the incident.

The district nazim while talking to the Geo News said that the rescue operation could be prolonged and added that that measures on modern lines are needed for rescue operation.

Four dead bodies and 14 wounded were shifted to DHQ Hospital while one seriously injured was sent to PIMS Hospital.

It may be recalled that a garments shop in the Gakhar Plaza, the busiest shopping centre here in Saddar, caught fire during the night between Friday and Saturday and it soon engulfed the entire building. Three security guards in a bid to save their lives jumped from the third floor of the building and got themselves injured who were later shifted to Rawalpindi District Hospital.

According to rescue sources, fire in eastern part of the plaza was brought under control on Saturday morning but the fire that broke out several hours ago severely damaged the building that has suddenly been collapsed in the afternoon.

However, the fire could not be controlled while more than 14 hours have been passed.

The ISPR told that the army teams have reached the spot for participating in rescue operations.

The president and the prime minister, expressing deep concern, have directed the army and the rescue agencies to provide immediate relief.

PML (N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has also expressed sorrow over the incident.

Eight people have been killed and several sustained injuries in the incident. It is being feared that another part of the building may be collapsed at any time.