Arab News
Makkah, Mar 31: At least 16 people, including four policemen, suffered burns and breathing difficulties when a bookstore went on fire yesterday morning in the Jerwal district close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The fire gutted the Asia Bookstore situated in an eight-story building. More than 1,400 students from Al-Falah School and residents of some 40 apartments in the building where the bookstore is located had to be evacuated.
Most of the injured were discharged after being given first aid, while four people remained in hospital.
Lt. Col. Ali Al-Montashari, spokesman for the Civil Defense in Makkah, said residents and schoolchildren were evacuated from homes and schools close by as the fire looked to spread to other buildings in the vicinity.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established, said Al-Montashari. Police are still investigating.