An emergency exit could save several lives: Gulshan building fire victim’s family

KARACHI: Family of the victim who died in Gulshan-e-Iqbal building fire on Thursday said several lives could have been saved, if an emergency exit was there in the building, ARY News reported.

“The building had no fire safety tools either,” said family of Jahanzaib, who lost his life in the tragic incident in Karachi.

Exclusively talking to ARY News, the heirs said Jahanzaib was going to tie the knot in August this year.

“His family had come from Rahim Yar Khan for preparations of his wedding,” they said.

They said now they were transferring his body to Rahim Yar Khan for burial.

At least two persons lost their lives while eight others were scorched in the blaze at Karachi’s multi-storey building situated in Gulshan-e-Iqbal area of Karachi on Thursday.

Read More: Fire at multi-storey building claims two lives in Karachi, eight wounded

About 50 citizens were trapped and at least eight sustained burn wounds as fire engulfed four to five floors of the building.

A senior police officer confirmed that two persons lost their lives who jumped off the building in a bid to save their lives. The deceased person was identified as Jahanzaib, Superintendent Police (SP) Gulshan said. He added that five persons including women were wounded in the fire incident.

Police officials said that the blaze was spread from the 12th floor after an in air conditioner’s duct caught fire which caused smoke in the building. The lift of the building has stopped working after the blaze, they said. They admitted that fire fighting vehicle and staff have arrived late to the site.

The building has been sealed by the local authorities, police said.

Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital, Seemi Jamali, confirmed that the dead body of a 35-year-old man was brought to the hospital. She said that five persons, who were affected by smoke, have been released after initial medical treatment.