One person lost their life while three others were rescued unconscious after a fire erupted at the Chase Supermarket located at Jail Chowrangi. News reports suggest that the fire started in the basement of the building. At least 12 fire brigades from all over the city have been called to put the fire out.
Confirming the death of one unidentified young man, Edhi personnel also said that three other people have been rescued from the building unconscious.
Chief Fire Officer Mubin Ahmed, who was at the site, was quoted by Aaj News as saying that 11 fire tenders, two bowsers, one snorkel, and one rescue vehicle is on-site. He said tankers from the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board were also ensuring a stable supply of water at the site of the fire.
“They (the department store management) were using the basement as a warehouse. There were no emergency exits,” he said, maintaining that having a warehouse requires permission, which they didn’t have. “Basic emergency protocols weren’t followed,” he said.
Ahmed said cargo isn’t permitted to be stored in a basement without explicit permission. “It is stored under sheds in the open so that it is visible in case there is any situation.”
He said the situation was made worse due to a residential complex being located above the department store.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
