Building fire in Karachi's Saddar extinguished, five people rescued

No loss of life reported in fire on the third floor of the Ghariyali Building near Empress Market.

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The fire that broke out in the Ghariyali Building in Saddar has been brought under control, with five individuals safely rescued from the premises.

Chief Fire Officer of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Humayun Khan, stated that upon receiving information about the fire on the third floor of the Ghariyali Building near Empress Market, a fire tender from the Saddar Fire Station was dispatched to the scene. However, the fire quickly spread from the third floor to parts of the fourth and fifth floors.

In response, four additional fire tenders, a bowser, and a snorkel were called to the location, accelerating firefighting efforts with the help of the snorkel.

Upon notification of the fire, a significant contingent of ambulances, police, and Rangers also reached the site. One track of the Empress Market road was closed for traffic. KMC rescue teams managed to safely evacuate five individuals from the affected part of the building.

The fire brigade brought the fire under control in approximately an hour and a half, after which the cooling process was completed. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported in the incident.

Humayun Khan noted that the affected portions of the building housed garment warehouses. While the extent of the financial loss has not yet been estimated, the cause of the fire remains unknown.

He further highlighted that incidents of fire tend to increase during the winter months. However, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Fire Brigade continues to perform its duties actively and efficiently.

Last week a fire broke out on the first floor of Pak Towers in Karachi's Clifton area due to a short circuit. The blaze filled the building with smoke, but fortunately no casualties were reported.

Rescue teams, including police, Rangers, Rescue 1122, fire brigade, and welfare organisations, quickly responded to the scene.

Previously for the second time this month, a fire broke out at Rimpa Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi. Firefighters swiftly extinguished the blaze using four fire tenders and a snorkel truck. No casualties or trapped individuals were reported.

Preliminary findings suggest an electrical short-circuit might have caused the fire, though investigations continue.

Earlier, a fire had erupted in the plaza's fourth-floor godowns, offices, and shops, requiring extensive rescue efforts. Poor ventilation complicated the operation, but all occupants were safely evacuated. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah had previously ordered immediate action and a report on the incident.