According to rescue workers, the blaze broke out in Block 12 after electric wires came into contact, triggering a short circuit that caused explosions in gas cylinders inside the huts. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing the entire cluster of dwellings.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control after two hours of efforts. No casualties were reported, but several livestock were injured and residents lost their belongings, including household items and motorcycles.
Authorities said the affected families, mostly nomadic settlers, were left without shelter or basic necessities. Rescue and relief operations were underway to assist those displaced by the incident.
Eye witnesses say that a dreadful fire engulfed the makeshift dwelling of Gulistan-e-Johar Block 12 in Karachi on Saturday night, as the ghastly smoke turned the area into a dungeon of roar, macabre, and homelessness.
According to the rescue officials, no deaths were reported from the site; however, the incident was no less than a horrible death, as over 500 huts were gutted, pulling the dwellers under the sky, without any shelter, food, or safety.
The fire started after electric wires came into contact, causing a short circuit that triggered explosions in gas cylinders inside the huts, rapidly spreading the flames. The fire brigade brought the blaze under control after two hours of effort.
Officials said the fire also destroyed household belongings, several motorcycles, and injured multiple livestock belonging to the nomadic residents.