Karachi hotel blaze raises several questions

KARACHI: The fire that erupted at a private hotel in the city on Monday has raised several valid questions, such as why wasn't the electric supply to the hotel cut off, even two hours after the flames had engulfed the hotel?

11 people died and more than 70 were injured when a local hotel caught fire in the city on Monday. However, after the flames were doused by firefighters, some questions were left unanswered.

For one, according to the fire brigade authorities, two hours after the fire had erupted, the electricity supply to the hotel was not cut off neither was the centralize A system turned off. Police have claimed that an investigation is underway to determine whether the fire had been caused by accident or an act of arson. According to the hotel staff, all instruments used to douse the flames were working perfectly and the previous week, a fire drill was also held at the hotel.

According to the fire brigade authorities, information about the hotel catching fire was reported to them at 02:44 am on Monday by the desk clerk. At 02:45, the fire tender left from Sadar fire station for the hotel. Two hours after the hotel caught fire, the electric supply to the hotel was not disrupted and neither was the centralized A.C. system turned off. The fire spread to the hotel's rooms through the A.C. ducts. 

The fire brigade authorities further disclosed that there was only one emergency exit door which was located near the lift and the kitchen. However, due to the overwhelming smoke, people could not escape via that door. Also, the fire brigade authorities stated that the kitchen did not have the proper equipment needed to douse the flames. 

The police stated that they were informed regarding the fire at 03:09 am and that the alarm had not sounded off at the upper floors of the hotel. Only one person disclosed to the others that a fire alarm had sounded at the ground floor. Police also revealed that as soon as the fire erupted in the kitchen, those working there left immediately.

Furthermore, police claimed that the fire equipment present inside the hotel was not at par with international standards and that gas leakage could have also caused the fire to spread. Police further revealed that there were three emergency exit doors in the hotel; one near the kitchen which could not be utilized. The emergency exit located near the lift, which led out towards the road which led to Jinnah Hospital, was used by the stranded people while the third leading out to the parking, was not evidently used.  

Hotel Security In-charge Major (r) Saad stated that the fire was controlled in the kitchen however, the flames spread to the restaurants owing to the short circuit. He stated that all fire equipment present inside the hotel were effective and the hotel had the receipts to prove it. A fire drill was also conducted the previous week, according to the Hotel Security In-charge.

He further informed that at least 100 staff members were present inside the hotel when the fire broke out and 500 people were residing there as well. The Hotel Security In-charge further claimed that the fire alarm sounded off for five to six minutes. He said that the fire alarm did not work at the upper floors of the hotel since the wire had burned there.