Truth of KMC office fire will emerge after probe, says Mayor Wahab

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, commenting on the fire that destroyed his office, stated that "fire either starts suddenly or is set," adding that the truth would be revealed after the investigation is complete. He made the remarks following the blaze at the KMC head office on Tuesday, which is currently under inquiry.

Speaking to reporters after the incident, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that while the initial assessment suggested a fault in the air-conditioning system, the Karachi Fire Brigade would conduct a detailed inspection to determine the exact cause. He said an internal investigation would also be conducted using CCTV footage and other available evidence.

The mayor confirmed that his staff were safe and that the financial loss caused by the fire would be assessed and compensated. He added that despite the damage, he would continue his official duties from another room and that a press conference on development projects scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed for one or two days.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday addressed the fire that destroyed his office, stating that an investigation will determine whether the blaze was accidental or deliberate. Speaking about the incident, he dismissed potential allegations that records may have been intentionally destroyed.

The mayor clarified that the files in his office are typically unsigned, and once signed, they are dispatched to the relevant departments. He confirmed that the Chief Fire Officer has been tasked with leading the investigation into the cause of the fire.

Further reports regarding the fire at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building indicate the incident was more severe than initially described.

According to fire brigade officials, the blaze started in a kitchen adjacent to the mayor's office and resulted in the office being completely burnt. Three fire tenders were dispatched to control the fire.

While initial reports suggested a minor fire in an air conditioner, the new information points to more extensive damage. The cause of the fire is not yet known. No casualties were reported.

Officials have provided further details on a fire at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building on Tuesday, clarifying its scale and origin. South Deputy Inspector General Asad Raza described the incident as a “minor fire”.

A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 stated that the fire started in an air conditioner's outer unit at Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s office. They confirmed that only the AC unit was damaged and that no casualties were reported. The cause is suspected to be an electrical short circuit.