In a heart-wrenching turn of events, affected shopkeepers from RJ Shopping Mall at Rashid Minhas Road staged a protest on Monday, demanding the reopening of their unscathed shops. The massive fire that allegedly resulted from an electric short circuit not only claimed 11 lives but also rendered numerous businessmen unemployed.
The 16th day since the tragic incident saw shopkeepers carrying banners with impassioned pleas to reopen the mall. The protest brought traffic on Rashid Minhas Road to a standstill, causing significant disruptions for frustrated commuters stranded for hours.
Expressing their plight, affected shopkeepers voiced the lack of alternative employment options after the closure of their shops. They urgently appealed to the authorities to permit the reopening of their establishments. Trade leader Sharjeel Goplani issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum for the de-sealing of the mall, emphasizing the dire need for immediate action.
Sharjeel Goplani warns political parties: trading community support depends on crisis assistance. He plans to announce the next course of action after consultations, hinting at potential collaboration in the upcoming general elections.
Amidst the tragedy, a preliminary report by the Fire Brigade Department uncovered severe safety lapses at RJ Shopping Mall. The absence of emergency exit doors, exit signs, preventive mechanisms, and backup power in the ill-fated building raised concerns. The report highlighted the lack of a public safety system, including fire safety equipment and emergency exits.
Reportedly, the fire brigade received delayed information, reaching the scene to discover severe burning on the third and fourth floors. Sadly, all 11 deaths resulted from smoke inhalation and suffocation due to inadequate ventilation.
Shopkeepers demand justice and business reopening after tragedy at RJ Shopping Mall reveals safety issues. Calls for swift action resonate with victims and spark potential collaborations for safety protocol changes in politics.
