On September 24, 2024, a significant fire occurred in the basement of the Noman Centre, a shopping complex located on Preedy Street in Karachi’s Saddar area. The blaze resulted in the destruction of several vehicles and substantial property damage.
Incident Details:
- Origin of Fire: The fire reportedly started in the basement’s meter room due to a short circuit. citeturn0search1
- Spread and Impact: The flames rapidly consumed stored goods, including used clothing, and damaged multiple vehicles, including motorcycles, a car, a rickshaw, and a motorcycle. citeturn0search2
- Response Efforts: Firefighters faced challenges due to inadequate ventilation and heavy smoke. The operation was further complicated by nearby protests, which hindered access to water sources. citeturn0search0
- Casualties: No injuries were reported.
- Property Loss: The fire caused significant property damage, including the destruction of goods stored in the basement. citeturn0search1
Additional Notes:
- Fire Safety Concerns: The building lacked essential fire safety measures, such as extinguishers and proper ventilation, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols in commercial establishments. citeturn0search0
- Traffic Disruptions: Protests in the vicinity led to road closures, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency responders. citeturn0search0
This incident underscores the critical importance of implementing robust fire safety measures and ensuring timely emergency response capabilities in densely populated commercial areas.