In a devastating incident near Ayesha Manzil in Karachi, the toll from a fire-ravaged residential building has risen to five, with another victim recently recovered. The unfortunate individual succumbed to a combination of suffocation and burns, as rescue teams discovered the body on the first floor of a shopping mall within the affected premises. Prompt action was taken to transport the deceased to the hospital.
The affected building, housing over 250 shops and approximately 450 residential flats, has been promptly sealed by both rescue authorities and the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). The SBCA, reacting swiftly to the emergency, emphasized that the sealing was a preventive measure to secure the area and deter any unauthorized access.
A strong police presence has been established around the premises to enforce the seal, ensuring that no one enters the potentially hazardous building. The SBCA further clarified that the sealing of the Arshi Center was in accordance with the directives of the Deputy Commissioner Central.
Looking ahead, the SBCA plans to conduct a thorough inspection of the building’s structural integrity to determine whether it is fit for use. The spokesperson for SBCA stated that a committee would be formed to inspect the building after the necessary cooling processes. The committee will then submit a detailed report outlining the status of the building, helping guide future decisions.
This unfortunate incident has been declared a third-degree fire by Rescue 1122, underscoring the severity of the situation. As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing any further incidents of this nature. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire as the city mourns the lives lost in this tragic event.
