The torched stalls of Islamabad’s H-9 Sunday Bazaar present a grim picture of fire safety arrangements. PHOTO: Raja Zafar/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Hundreds of stalls and their wares were reduced to ashes after a fire broke out at the H-9 Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad.
Firefighters arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control, while traders described the incident as a conspiracy.
According to details, the fire broke out suddenly between 10 pm and 11 pm on Tuesday at H-9 Sunday Bazaar near Peshawar Mor and quickly spread to several sections of the market.
Six Rescue 1122 firefighters remained engaged in the firefighting operations, while Pakistan Navy firefighters also participated in the rescue efforts. According to the district administration, the fire spread to nine sections of the market in total.
Sources said more than 380 stalls were affected by the fire, while an initial estimate of financial losses is being assessed. No loss of life was reported.
Affected traders said government officials arrived at the scene very late and fires had become a recurring problem in the market.
Speaking to The Express PK Press Club, Abdul Rehman Khan, president of Section H Traders’ Association, claimed that the fire was not accidental but part of a conspiracy.
He explained that emergency services arrived at the scene too late, which allowed the fire to spread widely.
