April 13, 2025 , tragedy struck again in the early hours of Sunday morning as a devastating fire erupted behind the Shalimar building in Waterloo.
The inferno reportedly began around 1:57 AM at a timber shop and rapidly spread to nearby structures, including the well-known White House building.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with thick smoke and roaring flames engulfing the area within minutes. Residents and bystanders rushed to the scene, attempting to put out the fire and rescue those trapped inside. “The fire moved so fast, and there was so much panic,” said a local resident. “It was terrifying to see.”
One of the most heart-wrenching moments occurred when an Indian national was seen trapped inside one of the buildings, crying out for help. Despite desperate rescue efforts, he sadly lost his life in the blaze. His identity has not yet been disclosed, pending notification of his family.
Emergency services, including firefighters and medical teams, arrived on the scene promptly, battling the flames into the early morning hours. However, the fire caused significant destruction, seriously damaging the White House building and other nearby properties.
According to early reports from the local authorities, at least two people lost their lives during the incident. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigations are currently underway.