KARACHI: A massive fire broke out in a candle warehouse in Karachi’s Shershah area on Wednesday, destroying over 25 houses and several motorcycles parked in nearby streets, media reported.
According to officials, the blaze, which erupted in a densely populated locality, spread rapidly due to the presence of oil and other flammable materials, engulfing nearby clothing and scrap warehouses as well.
Officials added that leakage from a Sui gas line had intensified the blaze.
Rescue teams said the intensity of the fire was extremely high, while firefighters faced difficulties reaching the site due to the area’s narrow streets. Fire tenders continued efforts to douse the flames from a distance as thick smoke filled the surroundings.
Residents of Karachi’s Shershah locality claimed that the losses could have been minimized had the fire brigade arrived on time. The incident marks yet another tragic fire in Karachi, highlighting persistent safety lapses in the city’s industrial and residential zones.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the fire incident that erupted in a building on Shershah Jinnah Road and directed authorities to bring the situation under control immediately.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Murad Ali Shah instructed the administration to shift affected individuals to safe locations without delay and to make every possible effort to prevent loss of life and property.
The Chief Minister also sought a detailed report on the cause of the fire and ordered officials to submit updates after the blaze is fully extinguished.
He further directed that injured persons be provided immediate medical assistance and that rescue and relief operations be carried out efficiently.
This marks the second fire incident in Karachi today, after four children were injured in a blaze in Baldia Town’s Kachhelo Goth area earlier today.
Four children have sustained burn injuries in the fire incident have been transferred to the hospital for medical attention, rescuers said. Local police said that a drug addict neighbour had set the house on fire and escaped from the scene.
“He had also injured himself and went into hiding,” police officials said.
“He has been nabbed and shifted to the hospital for treatment,” police said.
Similarly, on September 9, a three-storey garments factory in Karachi collapsed after it was completely engulfed in flames.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion when the structure caved in, causing panic in the area. At least three people were pulled out injured, while fears remain about others being trapped beneath the rubble.
The incident occurred while rescue teams were battling the intense blaze inside the factory. At the time, ARY News reporter Afzal Khan was giving a live update when the building suddenly collapsed.
The accident left at least five people, including a cameraman, injured, according to initial reports. Witnesses confirmed that several firefighters were operating dangerously close to the building when it came down. –Agencies
