KARACHI:
At least 10 people were killed and several others injured when a blaze erupted in a commercial plaza on Karachi’s Rashid Minhas road.
The fire, which began on the second floor in the early hours of Saturday morning, swiftly spread to the third and fourth floors of the building. At least 35 people have been rescued by emergency services, with some shifted to nearby medical facilities.
Numerous shops were gutted in the blaze. Emergency services initiated a rescue operation, and as a precautionary measure, the electricity supply to nearby buildings was suspended.
Initial reports by fire brigade officials suggested that the fire started from a generator located in the plaza. A snorkel was also used in the rescue operation.
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DC East Altaf Shaikh, speaking to the media, said that the fire was almost under control. He highlighted the absence of a fire extinguishing system in the six-story building, emphasising the lack of proper ventilation. Contrary to initial speculation, he debunked the notion that the blaze started due to a generator.
Interim Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the fire. Taking notice of the incident, he directed authorities to expedite relief operations and provide support to the affected.
Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, seeking to understand the cause of the fire and determine whether the commercial building met safety standards.
Source: tribune.com.pk
