Tragic fire claims nine lives in Abbottabad

Family succumbs to blaze amid remote rescue challenge

ABOTTABAD:

A devastating fire, attributed to an electricity short circuit, swept through a residence in the Tarhi village area of Abbottabad district on Sunday, claiming the lives of nine family members.

The incident took place in the early hours, around 1:30 am, as a rapid wind fuelled the flames, turning a three-room mud-and-wood house into a tragic inferno.

Zakir Abbasi, a labourer in Karachi, lost his family members as the fire swiftly engulfed the house, ultimately causing its roof to collapse.

Despite efforts from local residents to rescue the trapped family, the remote location of the house, situated 10 kilometres from Abbottabad, posed challenges.

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After the arrival of the police and Rescue 1122, a coordinated effort with five ambulances, an emergency vehicle, a fire engine, and a team of 30 workers was conducted under the supervision of the Rescue Abbottabad zone in-charge Muhammad Arif Khattak.

Despite the efforts, the lifeless bodies of the deceased were recovered. The victims were identified as 45-year-old Nagina (Zakir's wife), 25-year-old Saira, 18-year-old Tahira, 16-year-old Hashim, Laiba Bibi, six-year-old Husnain, one-and-a-half-year-old Fatima Bibi, and nine-month-old Sufiyan, all children of Zakir.

Reports said that the remote nature of the incident also increased the difficulties faced by the rescue team. The SHO of Qalandarabad police station, along with the entire police staff and local residents, participated in the rescue efforts.

The shocked community has urged local authorities to prioritise the safety of residents.