Several shops gutted in Cooperative Market fire

Traders blame delay in contacting fire brigade for increased damage

KARACHI:

A fire broke out in the Cooperative Market in Saddar area on Sunday evening that engulfed several shops within no time. Declaring the fire as third degree, fire tenders were called from all over the city while Pakistan Navy vehicles also reached the spot.

The fire destroyed several shops and caused loss of millions of rupees. The fire was brought under control in about four hours after which the cooling process was started.

 Karachi Administrator and Karachi Commissioner also reached the spot. Some shopkeepers were able to shift their valuables to a safe place.

 The traders alleged that the fire brigade arrived late. They kept trying to contact the police and the fire brigade for help but to no avail, alleging it was too late when contact was made, traders said.

Sources said that the fire brigade officials were informed at around 6 o’clock and vehicles were immediately dispatched from Saddar Fire Station which is just a few minutes away from the Cooperative Market.

Talking to media, Karachi Commissioner Iqbal Memon said that the fire brigade had reached the spot as soon as the fire was reported. He said that there are reports that an explosion was heard before the fire which can be confirmed only after investigation.