KARACHI: Scores of residential flats, shops and stores were gutted in a fierce blaze that ravaged the city’s congested Timber Market late on Saturday night.

Three multi-storey buildings housing the storehouses, shops and residential apartments were completely destroyed and as many buildings severely damaged in the fire, which broke out at around 1.20am.

The blaze was brought under control after frantic efforts lasting 12 hours, according to fire brigade chief Ihtishamuddin.

He said the fire initially broke out in two shops, but it spread rapidly, engulfing all adjacent shops and residential buildings. Twenty-eight fire-fighters and reinforcements from Navy, KPT, DHA and cantonments were called in to extinguish the blaze, he said, adding that congested and narrow lanes obstructed the fire-fighting efforts. All the residents were safely evacuated.

The Sindh government has constituted a committee to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the losses caused to properties. The body comprises the Karachi commissioner and the KMC administrator. It will submit its report within a week.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2014