Rescue 1122 highlights equipment shortages and delayed alert in Gul Plaza fire response

KARACHI: Rescue 1122 officials have cited a lack of essential firefighting equipment and a delayed alert as key factors that hampered their response to the recent fire at Gul Plaza, according to statements made during a press briefing.

According to Rescue 1122 Sindh Director General Dr. Rizwan Naseer, the department was not immediately informed about the fire, which contributed to the delayed arrival of their teams at the scene. He stated, "We received the alert late, and when our teams reached the site, the fire had already spread extensively."

Dr. Naseer further explained that Rescue 1122 currently faces significant shortages in firefighting equipment, including fire engines and aerial ladders. He noted that the available resources were insufficient to tackle a blaze of such magnitude in a multi-storey building. "We have repeatedly requested the government to provide more equipment, but the process has been slow," he said.

The fire at Gul Plaza, a commercial building in Karachi, resulted in the loss of several lives and caused extensive property damage. Rescue 1122 officials said that the lack of adequate equipment, such as snorkels and modern fire trucks, made it difficult to control the fire promptly and safely evacuate people from the upper floors.

Dr. Naseer also emphasized the need for improved coordination between emergency services and timely communication from the public and authorities. He urged the government to expedite the provision of modern firefighting tools and to establish a more efficient alert system to ensure quicker responses in future emergencies.

Rescue 1122 officials reiterated their commitment to public safety and called for urgent action to address the challenges faced by emergency responders in Karachi.