KARACHI: After hours-long firefighting efforts, a hearth that broke out at a multi-storey constructing, Rimpa Plaza, on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Street was doused and no casualties have been reported.
In line with native residents, the hearth initially broke out in a flat on the primary flooring of the multi-storey constructing earlier than spreading to the higher flooring.
Residents additionally famous that the hearth brigade and different rescue groups arrived late, forcing them to evacuate the constructing and try to manage the hearth on their very own.
Fireplace brigade officers reported that further fireplace tenders have been known as to the positioning for help, and foam is getting used to manage the blaze.
Officers have confirmed that every one people contained in the affected constructing have been safely evacuated.
To reinforce accessibility, glass panels of the constructing have been damaged, permitting firefighters higher entry to comprise the flames.
A Pakistan Navy crew additionally joined the operation, additional bolstering rescue efforts.
To make sure an uninterrupted water provide, an emergency was declared on the NIPA hydrant, in keeping with a Water Company spokesperson.
Water tankers have been dispatched to the placement, with the availability set to proceed till the hearth is absolutely extinguished.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken discover of the incident and directed quick motion to extinguish the hearth.
He has instructed the Karachi Commissioner to submit an in depth report and urged the Sindh Constructing Management Authority (SBCA) and related authorities to examine high-rise buildings to forestall comparable incidents sooner or later.
Sindh House Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjhar known as for extra police reinforcements to help the rescue operation.
Stressing the necessity for accountability, he urged a radical investigation into the reason for the hearth and directed that findings be made public promptly.
This isn’t the primary time Rimpa Plaza has witnessed a hearth incident. In Might of final yr, a blaze broke out on the seventh flooring of the constructing, reportedly in a spare components warehouse.
The hearth was introduced below management with the assistance of a snorkel, and no casualties have been reported. Nevertheless, the incident raised considerations about fireplace security measures within the constructing.