KARACHI Jan 8: Forty-two shops were burnt by inferno in an electronics market in Saddar in the small hours of Tuesday.

The fire that broke out at the ground floor of three-storied building at 0100 hours was believed to be caused by short circuit. Though the exact losses have not been ascertained so far, the damages were at least in millions. The fire gutted mobile phones, their accessories, home appliances like television sets, fridges and air-conditioners, which were stocked in godowns on the second floor.

Chief Fire Officer Ehteshamuddin said of 100 shops in the building 42 were burnt. Fire tenders rushed to the spot and started the operation. Eighteen vehicles, including a snorkel, a rescue unit and fire engines took part in the operation that continued till 0530 hours. Firemen bravely controlled the fire from wreaking havoc on the upper floors, he added.

Calling the illegal power connections as ‘criminal kundas’, he said that short circuit caused the mishap. He said that fire gutted a dozen of mobile phone and home appliances shops completely while 30 shops suffered partial damages.

Fire brigade officials said that help from Rangers’ headquarters was also sought for supply of additional water.

Hashmi Centre Electronic Association President Muhammad Farooq, who also owned a shop that burnt, said this was fifth time that the plaza had caught fire. He said dealers like him had got possession of their shops in 1992 but they were yet to be provided with electricity meters.

Demanding action against the market owner and compensation for the affected dealers, he said they had time and again informed the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation about the situation but failed to get proper meters installed at the shops.—PPI