KARACHI: The fire that broke out in Rampa Plaza, a multi-storied building located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, was brought under control after several hours of firefighting efforts and no casualties were reported.
According to local residents, the fire initially broke out in a flat on the first floor of a multi-storied building before it spread to the upper floors.
Residents also said that the fire brigade and other rescue teams arrived late, forcing them to evacuate the building and try to douse the fire themselves.
Fire officials reported that additional fire tenders have been called to the scene to assist and foam is being used to control the fire.
Officials have confirmed that all people inside the affected building have been evacuated safely.
To increase access, the building’s glass panels were broken, giving firefighters better access to fight the blaze.
A Pakistan Navy team also joined the operation, which further strengthened the rescue efforts.
To ensure uninterrupted water supply, a state of emergency was declared at the NIPA hydrant, according to a Water Corporation spokesperson.
Water tankers have been dispatched to the spot, and the supply will continue till the fire is completely extinguished.
Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has directed immediate action to extinguish the fire.
He directed the Commissioner Karachi to submit a detailed report and urged the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and concerned authorities to inspect the high-rise buildings to prevent such incidents in future.
Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjhar called for additional police personnel to help in the rescue operation.
Stressing the need for accountability, he called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and directed that the findings be made public immediately.
This is not the first time that there has been a fire at Rampa Plaza. In May last year, a fire broke out on the seventh floor of the building, allegedly in a spare parts warehouse.
The fire was brought under control with the help of a snorkel, no casualties were reported. However, the incident raised concerns about the fire safety measures in the building.