Flames licked their way through a six-storey building near Ayesha Manzil in Karachi, turning it to ash and claiming at least four lives in a tragic blaze.

The inferno, which raged for several hours, left a trail of destruction in its wake, gutting shops and homes alike.

The fire erupted on Wednesday and took several hours to contain, requiring the efforts of 12 fire engines, two snorkels, and two bowsers.

Initial reports indicated three fatalities, but the number rose to four on Thursday. While some witnesses believe the fire began in a mattress shop, the exact cause is still under investigation.

Following the incident, officials initiated a probe and caretaker Sindh CM Baqar vowed to ensure swift and thorough building inspections throughout Karachi.

He promised action based on the inquiry's findings and expressed condolences to the victims.

The fire ripped through the building, affecting both commercial and residential units.

A total of 294 shops, including warehouses, were completely destroyed, along with one flat on the third floor. Two other flats sustained minor damage.

While the building is deemed liveable after repairs, it lacked crucial safety features, including emergency exits and firefighting equipment. This lack of preparedness worsened the disaster.

Authorities have provided shelters and food to residents displaced by the fire.

The chief minister emphasized the need for strict enforcement of building codes and safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

He blamed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) for the incident, citing the lack of proper fire safety measures within the building.

Baqar ordered safety audits of public and private buildings to ensure their security and address any shortcomings.

Residents are now allowed to visit their flats individually to secure belongings and lock their homes.

Case registered

A case of the incident has been registered at the Joharabad police station.

A team, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation, will spearhead the investigation.

Their primary focus will be to determine the cause of the fire and identify any individuals responsible for the tragedy.