Doha: 13 Children Killed in Villagio Mall Fire, Total Death Toll 19
Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Update: 10.35 pm IST
Doha, May 28: The Ministry of Interior, Qatar has confirmed that 19 people, including 13 children died in the blaze that engulfed Villagio Mall here on Monday May 28.
Among the deceased children, seven are girls and 6 boys.
Most of the children were trapped in Gympanzee nursery, it is learnt, and eyewitnesses said that firefighters had to enter through the roof to save them. The nursery is on the first floor and access was difficult, it is said.
The rest of the deceased include four teachers and two civil defence personnel. Among the teachers, three were said to be Filipino and one African.
Also, 17 people were injured, informed MoI at a press meet held here in the evening.
"17 people injured in Villagio fire including 4 children. Most of the injured persons are from firefighters of Civil Defence," stated MOI.
The minister of state for interior affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalif Al Thani expressed his condolences for the family of deceased children and teachers and the brave civil defence staff.
The minister said that there is no complaint on missing persons and the entire area has been inspected more than once to ensure nobody was trapped.
He also said that public prosecution has started investigation into the incident and it will reveal the actual causes of the fire.
The information on blaze was recieved by the operations room at 11.03 am and the response was quick as the Civil Defence personnel and Search and Rescue team from Lakhwiya arrived on the spot and started the rescue operation.
Earlier News
Doha: Fire Engulfs Villagio Shopping Mall, Hundreds Evacuated
Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, May 28: A massive fire broke out in Villagio shopping mall here on Monday May 28 at around 11 am. No casualties have been reported so far.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the mall minutes after the fire alarm sounded.
The fire soon spread to the food court. The extent and cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Fire engines and other emergency services rushed to the spot.
People have been asked not to spread rumours.
Though no loss of life has been reported, one person, whose identity is yet to be established, has been shifted to Hamad Hospital, sources said.
Some of the shops were also engulfed in fire, it is learnt.
Police have cordoned the area and diverted traffic.