Blaze hits Saddar electronics market

Rescue teams bring flames under control; cooling operations underway

KARACHI:

A fire that broke out at the Al Najeebi electronic market in Saddar was brought under control on Monday with cooling underway.

A statement from Rescue 1122 said that the Fire Brigade, along with rescue teams and an ambulance, was dispatched to scene after the information was received.

Videos showed that the fire broke out in the parking of the building and enveloped several vehicles in flames.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan said in an update that the fire had been brought under control and the cooling process was underway. He said all people were safely evacuated with a search for more underway as the department had managed to gain entry into the building, adding that two people were affected and had fell unconscious from the smoke.

The spokesperson said the two individuals were provided medical aid and were out of danger.

"Situation of the fire is under control so far and KMC fire tenders with snorkel are present on ground to tackle situation. People are being evacuated as we speak," Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also said on X.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah congratulated the fire and rescue personnel for controlling the flames. "Work diligently to ensure safety of life and property in accidents and incidents. Crowd management should be further improved on reports of such incidents and accidents. In view of possible future accidents, traffic flow should be ensured on surrounding roads," the chief minister said.

He had earlier taken immediate notice of the incident and sought a report from the Karachi commissioner. CM Shah had also contacted the Karachi mayor, commissioner and police chief.

"First priority is that if people are trapped in the market, they should be evacuated first. Human lives should be saved at all costs, property comes next."

"Police should conduct crowd management so that firefighting work can be done properly. Ensure timely delivery of water to fire brigades from bowsers. Carry out rescue work with municipalities, administration and police teamwork," the chief minister was quoted as saying in a statement.

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho ordered the South senior superintendent of police and Traffic superintendent reach the site and give orders to clear the passage for relief vehicles. He also ordered the safety of other shops and markets nearby the main affected building. The incident comes two weeks after a blaze at Gul Plaza shopping mall that has taken 80 lives so far.