A fire broke out at a restaurant atop Biswa Bangla Gate in New Town on Wednesday evening, triggering panic among passersby as sparks fell onto the road below. Police restricted vehicular movement in the area as a precautionary measure.

According to local sources, sparks were seen coming from the restaurant shortly after 6 pm.

The fire is suspected to have started in the restaurant's lower section, with sparks falling onto the road and alarming motorists and pedestrians passing through the area.

Traffic police cordoned off the affected stretch and diverted vehicles to prevent any untoward incident. The fire also led to temporary traffic congestion in the area.

Several people were reportedly present inside the restaurant when the incident occurred, with some having been engaged in dining.

As news of the fire spread, panic broke out among those inside, and efforts were initiated to evacuate them to safety. The fire brigade was alerted following the incident. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known.