Many shops destroyed in Glass Tower blaze

KARACHI:

A fire that broke out at Clifton Glass Tower was brought under control after a two-and-a-half-hour battle by firefighters on Tuesday. No deaths or severe injuries were reported, though six people, including a firefighter, were hospitalised due to smoke inhalation.

The blaze started on the first floor of Glass Tower, which houses over 35 shops selling bed sheets and textiles. The fire caused massive damage, with many shops destroyed, but the exact cause of the conflagration and the total damages remain were immediately not known.

The fire was reported to the KMC Fire Brigade at 1.45am and a fire tender was rushed to the scene. Given the intensity of the fire, more fire tenders were called in, including those from the KMC Fire Department, Rescue 1122, and the Clifton Cantonment Board, totaling 15 vehicles.

Humayun Khan, Chief Fire Officer of the KMC Fire Department, said that the presence of foam and cloth in the shops increased the fire's intensity. Firefighters faced challenges, but after a prolonged effort, they managed to contain the flames and complete the cooling process.

Several rescue teams, including personnel from police, Edhi, and Chhipa, worked together to evacuate people from the building. Six people, including a firefighter, were shifted to the hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. None of their injuries are said to be life-threatening.