Vendors watched helplessly as their livelihoods went up in flames, leaving smoke engulfing the Lighthouse grounds, while a massive fire tore through a busy flea market, reducing 70 makeshift stalls and countless wares to ashes. Photo: JALAL QUERESHI/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
At least 70 makeshift stalls were reduced to ashes as a massive fire swept through a flea market along a storm drain near the Lady Dufferin Hospital in the Lighthouse area on Thursday. No injuries were reported, although damage to property was significant.
The fire broke out suddenly among the temporary vendor stands within the jurisdiction of Kharadar police station. The flames spread quickly and engulfed dozens of stalls. The police, fire department and rescue team rushed to the scene to contain the fire.
As the fire continued to spread, more firefighters were called and a full-scale firefighting operation was launched. Rescue 1122 and KMC Fire Department deployed additional vehicles to assist in the operation. After approximately 45 minutes of continuous efforts, the fire was finally brought under control.
The fire destroyed over 70 stalls and stretchers, many of which contained winter clothing such as sweaters, jackets, mufflers, blankets, socks, shoes and slippers. The affected suppliers reported significant financial losses, with many having bought their stock on credit from Shershah Market.
“We had stocked up with goods worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, but now everything is gone,” said a distressed vendor. Traders have since appealed to the Sindh government to compensate their losses, stressing the devastating blow to their livelihood.
Zafar Khan, a fire officer with the KMC Fire Department, suspected that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though the exact cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. Khan added that firefighting efforts were complicated by the narrow streets and encroachments around the lighthouse area, which impeded access for firefighters and rescue vehicles.
