Massive plaza blaze exposes safety lapses

Absence of emergency exits, ventilation and fire detection systems hampers rescue efforts

RAWALPINDI:

A devastating fire, which erupted in the basement warehouse of a multi-storey commercial plaza on the busy and densely populated City-Saddar Road in Rawalpindi on Wednesday evening, was brought under control after 12 hours of hectic and tiresome efforts. The several-hour blaze, however, exposed serious violations of fire safety regulations.

The blaze broke out in the basement of Shanghai Plaza, a four-storey building situated along the city's principal commercial artery. Authorities later disclosed that the premises lacked even the most basic fire safety provisions.

There was no ventilation system, no alternative emergency exit or access route beyond a single central entrance, and no smoke detectors, fire alarms, or firefighting equipment installed.

According to officials, Rescue 1122 received a report of the fire at approximately 6:30pm on Wednesday. Fire crews arrived promptly with five emergency and fire brigade vehicles and began containment efforts.

Although flames on the exterior were swiftly brought under control, the fire reignited during the cooling phase when it was discovered that the basement warehouse—used for storing electric boring motors, rubber and plastic pipes, oil, and related materials—was also ablaze.

Firefighters attempting to enter the warehouse encountered significant obstacles. The sole central access door was locked, and there were no additional entry or exit points, nor any form of ventilation.

Owing to these hazardous conditions, Rescue 1122 personnel faced severe difficulties in directing foam and chemically treated water to the heart of the fire.

As the intensity of the blaze increased, Incident Commander and District Emergency Officer Engineer Sibghatullah summoned additional vehicles and manpower.

Rescue spokesperson Usman Gujjar stated that crews were compelled to cut through the main gate and create access points by breaching sections of the warehouse roof and walls.

Approximately 50 firefighters and rescuers, supported by 13 fire brigade vehicles, battled the inferno for more than 12 hours before finally bringing it under control.

Engineer Sibghatullah noted that the plaza and warehouse, constructed on an area of roughly 10 marlas, were filled from floor to ceiling with highly combustible materials. The absence of smoke detectors, fire alarms, extinguishers, and proper ventilation significantly hampered firefighting efforts. Rescue teams subsequently continued cooling operations and used modern smoke injectors to extract accumulated smoke from the building.

Due to the prolonged emergency response, Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer Farhan Aslam ordered the complete closure of the affected stretch of City Saddar Road. Traffic was diverted to alternative routes, with traffic police deployed to maintain the flow of vehicles. DSP City Syed Azhar Shah and SHO City Abdul Rehman were also present at the scene with police contingents.

DSP Shah said that the plaza comprises double basements and is operated by five business partners, including Gulab Khan, dealing in boring equipment and electric motors. The partners had closed the business and left for home when the fire reportedly broke out in the basement. While the incident appears to be accidental, he said a definitive conclusion would depend upon detailed reports from the relevant departments.

Rescue 1122 officials added that initial information suggested a possible short circuit caused by voltage fluctuation. However, they noted that the basement and warehouse were completely locked at the time of their arrival, casting doubt on whether an electrical fault was indeed responsible. The exact cause of the fire will be determined following a formal investigation.

It has also been learned that goods worth millions of rupees were stored in the affected basement at the time of the incident.