A massive fire that blazed for more than two hours in a tightly clustered complex of eateries near Ramada Signal may have been started by a short circuit.

Speaking to Doha News, the manager of Caravan cited faulty wiring in the neon lights of the restaurant’s sign as the cause of the blaze.

Staff on site this morning said that some 35 employees and customers were quickly evacuated from the building when the fire broke out.

Civil Defense officials confirmed there were no injuries.

The upper sections of Caravan and Barbar were badly damaged in the fire. Doha News observed the doors of Barbar smashed in, and plates and cans of soda strewn all over both eateries.

Several other restaurants, including Al Tazaj Bar BQ Chicken, Ponderosa, Pizza Hut and Coffee Beanery appear to have escaped fire damage.

But they were also shut today as Civil Defense conducted its investigation, and customers could be seen leaving Coffee Beanery after being unable to enter.

Restaurant employees said they were not sure when they would reopen for business.

The complex contains several of Qatar’s older food establishments, which have seen more competition over the last decade after a string of newer fast-food and casual dining chains opened along C-Ring Road.

Thoughts?