Karachi, Pakistan – A devastating fire swept through Karachi’s Glue Plaza on Wednesday, claiming at least 70 lives and leaving over 70 people injured. The inferno, which broke out at around 10:26 am, razed over 1,500 shops in the popular marketplace, forcing firefighters to scramble to contain the blaze.
According to the Fire Brigade authorities, the fire spread rapidly due to the densely packed nature of the Glue Plaza, which covers an area of roughly 2 acres. Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the initial investigation suggests that the fire may have been caused by a combination of factors, including the lack of adequate fire safety measures and the congested roads leading to the plaza.
“It’s a miracle that the fire didn’t spread further,” said Fire Chief Officer Muhammad Hamayan. “The initial cause of the fire remains unknown, but we’re investigating all possibilities, including the possibility of arson.”
The rescue operation, which was launched immediately after the fire was reported, was hindered by the sheer scale of the disaster and the large number of people trapped inside the burning building. A 21-year-old woman, who had come to the plaza to shop, is among the missing persons.
The Sindh government has announced that it will provide financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announcing that the aid will begin being distributed from Thursday.
As the investigation into the fire continues, authorities are bracing for the possibility of further casualties, with many people still trapped inside the burning building. The government has come under fire for its slow response to the disaster, with many critics questioning the adequacy of the emergency services and the preparedness of the authorities.
In related news, a 24-year-old motorcyclist was shot dead by a security guard in the Bagh-e-Shahzeb area of Karachi on Tuesday. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for the immediate arrest of the accused.
The Sindh government has announced that it will provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, with the Chief Minister promising that the aid will begin being distributed from Thursday. The government has also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in its investigation into the fire.
As the city of Karachi struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss of life, the people of Pakistan are left to wonder how such a tragedy could have occurred in the first place. The Glue Plaza fire is a stark reminder of the need for improved fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in the country.
The Sindh government has announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the fire and will take immediate action if any evidence of arson is found. The authorities have also launched a massive rescue operation, with over 1,000 firefighters and paramedics deployed to the scene.
The fire, which was brought under control after 34 hours, has left a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The people of Karachi are mourning the loss of their loved ones and are demanding answers from the authorities.
As the city begins to rebuild and recover from the trauma of the fire, the people of Pakistan are left to reflect on the devastating consequences of such a tragedy. The Glue Plaza fire is a stark reminder of the need for improved fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in the country.
