There has been a notable enhancement in fire safety standards throughout the outgoing year at commercial buildings, yet 2023 witnessed tragic outcomes.
A total of 41 lives were lost, and 98 individuals suffered burn injuries in numerous fire incidents, resulting in significant financial losses.
The Fire Brigade Department's annual report disclosed over 2,150 fire incidents, with January recording the highest at 356 and August and September experiencing the least with 100 and 103 incidents, respectively.
Saddar Fire Station topped the list with 186 complaints, followed by Central Fire Station (154), Nazimabad Fire Station (152), and others. Notably, Emergency Rescue Hawke's Bay Fire Station and Cattle Colony Fire Station received no complaints due to their dysfunctional status. The report highlighted the lowest volume of fire complaints at Superhighway and New Truck Stand fire stations.
Tragically, this year marked not only significant financial losses but also the loss of lives in various fire incidents. Notably, on November 25, 2023, a fire erupted in RJ Shopping Mall, Gulistan Johar, resulted in 11 deaths and burn injuries to 35 people.
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On December 6, Arshi Mall witnessed a fatal fire resulting in five deaths, while April 12 saw a devastating industrial area fire that claimed the lives of four firefighters and injuries to 15.
Two die in Bin Qasim factory blaze
A fire erupted in a Bin Qasim Town factory, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring one. The flames, originating from an unknown cause in a steel company, quickly consumed the facility, visible from a considerable distance. The factory management promptly alerted the fire brigade, deploying five fire tenders that battled the blaze for an hour, ultimately bringing it under control. Tragically, two employees, Jameel and Abid, lost their lives during the incident, while another worker sustained critical injuries. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined. Responding swiftly, the police, rangers, and rescue teams arrived. The deceased, both residents of Bin Qasim, were identified as employees of the affected factory. Their bodies were transported to Jinnah Hospital, where grieving relatives declined media interviews. After necessary legal procedures, the police handed over the bodies to the bereaved heirs.
Separately, a fire in a Korangi Industrial Area towel factory, caused by a transformer explosion, added to the series of incidents. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and firefighting operations were underway. This incident followed another fire in Saddar's mobile market earlier in the week, emphasising authorities' ongoing challenges in managing fire emergencies.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2023.
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