Fire destroys dozens of stalls at Kotri market

A market comprising stalls and thatched huts caught fire in the Khursheed Chowk area of Kotri SITE in Jamshoro district late Thursday night, destroying an estimated 30 to 45 kiosks.

The fire erupted at around 10:30pm and was extinguished about three hours later. No casualties were reported as the market had closed for the day when the incident occurred.

Traders complained that fire tenders, particularly those operated by SITE Limited and the municipal administration, arrived late at the scene.

Rescue 1122 spokesman Dilbar Halepoto said five fire tenders, including three operated by Rescue 1122, took part in the firefighting operation. He said the fire was brought under control after about two hours of firefighting.

While local traders put the number of destroyed stalls and huts at between 40 and 45, Halepoto said Rescue 1122's initial estimate was around 30. Kotri taluka Assistant Commissioner Shakoor Solangi said that the district administration was still assessing the exact extent of the losses.