Lahore Hotel Blaze: At Least Three Dead in Fire, Rescue Operations Underway

Lahore, January 24, 2026: A massive fire broke out in the basement of a hotel in Lahore’s Gulberg area on Saturday afternoon, At least three people lost their lives after a fire broke out at a hotel in Lahore’s Gulberg area, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Rescue officials reported that the blaze heavily affected the hotel’s first basement.

The building, spanning four kanals with 19 storeys and three basements, was evacuated safely, according to Punjab Minister for Energy and Sports, Faisal Ayub Khokhar. He stated that “all guests staying at the hotel were evacuated safely, adding that the situation was under control.”

Initial reports indicated one person missing, later identified as a hotel employee working as a CCTV operator. Rescue teams continued operations to locate the missing staff member. The death toll was later confirmed to include an employee from the hotel’s laundry, while the identity of the second fatality has not been disclosed.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the fire was contained and emphasized the importance of proactive governance, writing, “The incident reaffirms a fundamental principle of governance: it must always be preemptive, not reactive.” She also confirmed that authorities rescued 180 people and relocated them to safe locations.

One injured individual, aged 30, succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. The CM added, “[Two] employees still trapped in the basement. Employing all resources to get them out safely. The source of fire has been identified and contained.” Police and rescue teams remain on-site to complete clearance operations and ensure the safety of any remaining staff.

The incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures in high-rise hotels and prompt emergency response systems.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

Police suspect that the fire may have been caused by a cylinder or boiler explosion. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Authorities have urged residents and hotel staff to follow safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.