University departments safe; temporary shelters near the fire scene evacuated as a precaution, officials say
University of Karachi. Photo: File
A fire that broke out in the bushes behind the University of Karachi on Tuesday night intensified rapidly before it was brought under control after several hours of firefighting. One person died of suffocation during the incident, emergency officials said.
According to Rescue 1122, the fire broke out near Gulshan Noor Apartments behind the university. Fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire services, reached the spot and began efforts to extinguish the fire. Dry weather and strong winds caused the flames to spread quickly across the open area, while smoke entered nearby residential properties, causing difficulties for residents.
Some staff quarters sustained partial damage and the fire also affected areas near a nearby cemetery. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Department dispatched additional vehicles, including nine fire tenders and three water bowsers, to control the fire from multiple directions. Cooling operations continued late into the night to prevent re-ignition due to wind.
During a search operation after the fire was contained, rescue workers found the body of a 51-year-old man, identified as Muhammad Rafiq, who had died of suffocation. His body was shifted to a hospital with the help of Chhipa volunteers for necessary legal procedures.
A University of Karachi security adviser said all departments remained secure. The fire service confirmed that several temporary shelters near the affected bushes were evacuated as a precaution.
In a separate incident, a fire broke out at a scrap yard near Bhai Jan Chowk in Korangi’s Sector 33-C. Rescue 1122 team reached the spot and managed to control the fire after sustained efforts. Various types of stored materials were destroyed, while the cause of the fire and the estimated losses are yet to be determined.
