A fire broke out at a multi-story commercial building, Rimpa Plaza, located on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi on Tuesday. The blaze started on the fourth floor and spread rapidly, engulfing the fifth floor as well, causing significant damage.
Rescue Operations and Efforts to Control the Fire
According to Rescue 1122, their fire and rescue teams responded promptly, reaching the site with multiple fire brigade trucks, ambulances, and a snorkel. Despite challenges caused by improper ventilation in the building, the fire was eventually brought under control after several hours of intense firefighting efforts.
Details of the Blaze and Damages
The fire originated in a shop on the fourth floor of the 13-story Rimpa Plaza, which houses godowns storing spare parts for machinery, raw materials for tyre manufacturing, and other items. The blaze rapidly spread, damaging both the fourth and fifth floors extensively, while the sixth and seventh floors suffered partial damage.
Rescue officials suspect an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the fire.
Traffic Disruptions and Emergency Response
The fire caused significant traffic disruptions on M.A. Jinnah Road, particularly near Saeed Manzil. The Karachi Traffic Police diverted traffic towards Regal Chowk and Gul Plaza to avoid the affected area.
Government Response and Fire Safety Concerns
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took immediate notice of the incident, directing the Karachi Commissioner to provide a detailed report. He also ordered an inspection of buildings in the city to prevent further fire-related disasters.
Fire incidents are a recurring issue in Karachi due to inadequate fire safety measures in commercial buildings. A recent Sindh High Court report revealed that over 260 commercial buildings in the city lacked essential fire safety certifications and equipment. Out of 265 buildings inspected, none had a valid fire safety certificate or no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department, and many were found with unsatisfactory electrical systems and poor firefighting equipment.
This follows a series of recent fire incidents, including explosions at warehouses and deadly blazes in shopping malls, highlighting the critical need for stringent fire safety regulations in the city.
