Seven of a family dead as mother sets house ablaze

Mother suspected of setting the fire and killing herself and children

KARACHI: At least seven, including six children, were burnt alive in a mysterious fire at a house in Karachi’s Baldia Town late Sunday night.

The initial investigation suggests that the mother set the house aflame while her husband was at work. The couple’s eight children – four sons and four daughters, were at home when the unfortunate incident occurred.



According to police, the father had locked the door from outside before leaving for work thus making it impossible for the victims to rescue themselves as fire engulfed the room. Although fire brigade managed to extinguish the flames but the mother, Gulzara Bibi, and her four children had already died of burns. Four children were taken to the burns ward at the Civil Hospital where two more children succumbed to wounds. Two siblings are currently receiving medical care.

Although the actual cause of fire is yet to be ascertained, one of the victims confirmed to police that his mother lighted the fire. He said Gulzara Bibi was suffering from mental health issues and had been in therapy for two years.

In his statement to the police, the father, Ali buksh claimed he had gotten up to use the washroom when his wife locked the room from inside and set the room ablaze.