Vendors watch helplessly as their livelihoods go up in flames, leaving behind smoke engulfing the lighthouse area as a massive fire ravages a bustling flea market, reducing 70 makeshift stalls and countless goods to ashes. Photo: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
At least 70 makeshift stalls were reduced to ashes when a huge fire ripped through a flea market along a storm drain near Lady Dufferin Hospital in the lighthouse area on Thursday. No casualties were reported, although material damage was significant.
The fire broke out suddenly among the temporary premises of the vendors within the jurisdiction of Kharadar police station. The flames spread quickly, engulfing dozens of stands. Police, firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene to contain the fire.
As the fire continued to spread, more firefighters were called and a large-scale firefighting operation was launched. Rescue 1122 and KMC fire brigade deployed additional vehicles to assist in the operation. After approximately 45 minutes of continued efforts, the fire was finally brought under control.
The fire destroyed more than 70 stalls and carts, many of which contained winter clothing such as sweaters, jackets, mufflers, blankets, socks, shoes and slippers. Affected sellers reported substantial financial losses, with many purchasing their stocks on credit at Shershah Market.
“We had stored goods worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, but now everything has disappeared,” said a distressed seller. The traders have since called on the Sindh government to compensate their losses, highlighting the devastating blow to their livelihoods.
Zafar Khan, a firefighter with the KMC Fire Brigade, suspects that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Khan added that firefighting efforts were complicated by narrow streets and encroachments around the lighthouse area, which hampered access for firefighters and rescue vehicles.
