The death toll from the fire that tore through a multi-storey commercial and residential building near Ayesha Manzil in Karachi’s Federal B Area has risen to four, officials announced on Thursday. Late on Wednesday evening, the fire was finally brought under control after 12 fire engines, two snorkels, and two bowsers were used to combat the blaze. Witnesses reported that the fire started in a mattress shop on the ground floor of the building and quickly spread throughout the entire structure.
In response to the incident, caretaker Sindh Chief Minister retired Justice Maqbool Baqar requested an investigation. This fire marks the second similar incident in less than two weeks, with 11 lives lost in a fire on Rashid Minhas Road on Nov 25.
The investigation team is now determining the cause of the fire and the responsible parties. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has already submitted a report to the Karachi Central deputy commissioner after examining the building. The SBCA has now cleared the building from the first to the fourth floor and allowed residents to return to their flats. However, witnesses claimed that there was no emergency exit in the building and no firefighting equipment present.
The fire is believed to have originated in a mattress shop, and the fire brigade was not called until half an hour after the blaze started. 125 shops and warehouses on the mezzanine floor, as well as 169 shops on the ground floor, were completely destroyed by the fire. 72 flats on the upper four floors were also affected, with only one flat being completely destroyed. The Sindh CM has promised shelters and food for all affected residents and a detailed inspection of building codes in Karachi. The SBCA has been held responsible for the fire by the chief minister, who also vowed to ensure the safety of all important buildings in the area.