Karachi, Pakistan – A devastating fire that swept through the 11-story Glades Towers in Karachi’s upscale Clifton neighborhood has left 28 people dead, with 17 others reported missing. The fire, which began in the early hours of Saturday, has been described as one of the deadliest in the city’s history.
According to rescue officials, the fire was exacerbated by the presence of plastic and petroleum-based materials in the lower floors of the building, which reignited every time they were exposed to oxygen. The situation was further complicated by the fact that the building’s debris was still smoldering, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the trapped individuals.
Hassan Solanki, a member of the Sindh Boatmen Scout’s rescue team, described the scene as “catastrophic,” with the fire seemingly unstoppable. “Every time we try to clear the debris, the fire flares up again,” he said. “The chances of anyone surviving are extremely low.”
Solanki, who has been part of the rescue effort since Saturday, revealed that his own family was affected by the tragedy, with his cousin, Asif, still missing and four of his children having managed to escape. Several other families are still searching for their loved ones, with many fearing that they may be trapped under the debris.
The rescue operation, which involves a team of around 200 personnel from the Sindh Boatmen Scouts, Pakistan Navy, and police, has been further complicated by the fact that the building’s other sections are also structurally unstable and prone to collapse.
According to Deputy Commissioner South, the operation is being carried out in a challenging environment, with intense heat and smoke making it difficult for the rescue teams to proceed. “The fire has been brought under control, but the situation is still critical,” he said.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rampart Plaza building non-rehabilitable, citing safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of a powerful western system that may affect the country’s upper regions over the next 24 hours.
The Glades Towers tragedy has sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for stricter building regulations and improved fire safety measures. The incident has also highlighted the need for a more robust emergency response system, with experts suggesting that the building’s design and construction may have contributed to the disaster.
As the rescue effort continues, the families of the victims are left to grapple with the devastating loss. The incident has also brought attention to the need for more effective disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, with many calling for a comprehensive review of the country’s building codes and emergency response protocols.
