Fruit, potato warehouses, markets reduced to ashes

KARACHI:

A huge fire broke out near the Chakar Hotel on the Superhighway that destroyed fruit, potato warehouses, bamboo markets, gas cylinder and hardware shops, hotels and shops selling household goods.

The Fire Brigade, rescue teams, police and Rangers reached the spot. The firefighters doused the flames with and struggle of about four hours with the help of 14 fire tenders and two bowsers. No casualties were reported during the fire.

Due to the intensity of the fire, the MD Water Corporation declared emergency at Safoora Hydrant and dispatched water tankers and ensured uninterrupted water supply.The shops, burnt to ashes, contained goods worth hundreds of thousands of rupees.

The Chief Fire Officer, Muhammad Humayun Khan told The Express Tribune that timely operation prevented the flames from spreading to a petrol pump and a nearby residential. He said, the cooling process was underway, after which the cause of the fire and the damage will be estimated.

On the other hand, area residents and shopkeepers alleged that, as usual, the fire brigade reached late.

Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a wood warehouse in the Purana Haji Camp Timber Market and destroyed the wooden door warehouse, set up in three shops, four rickshaws and three motorcycles. Fire department sent six fire trucks and a bowser who brought the flames under control with a struggle of two-and-a-half-hours.