Vendors watch helplessly as their livelihoods went up in flames, leaving behind smoke that engulfed the lighthouse area as a massive fire swept through 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 massive fire ripped through a flea market along a stormwater drain near Lady Dufferin Hospital in the Lighthouse area on Thursday. No casualties were reported, although property damage was extensive.
The fire broke out suddenly among temporary vendors’ establishments, within the jurisdiction of Kharadar police station. The flames spread quickly and engulfed dozens of stalls. Police, firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the scene to contain the fire.
As the fire continued to spread, more firefighters were called and a large-scale extinguishing operation was launched. Rescue 1122 and the KMC Fire Brigade deployed additional vehicles to assist in the operation. After about 45 minutes of continuous effort, 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, scarves, blankets, socks, shoes and slippers. Affected suppliers reported substantial financial losses and many purchased their shares on credit at Shershah Market.
“We had stocked up on goods worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, but now it’s all gone,” said a distraught vendor. Traders have since asked the Sindh government to compensate their losses, highlighting the devastating blow to their livelihoods.
Zafar Khan, a fire officer with the KMC Fire Brigade, suspects that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, although the exact cause of the fire is yet to be 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.
