Rescue teams battle blaze in Sector H-9 as authorities investigate cause and tighten safety crackdown
A major fire broke out at the Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad’s Sector H-9 on Tuesday, destroying more than 70 stalls and triggering a large-scale firefighting and rescue operation.
According to the district administration, emergency teams rushed to the site immediately after the blaze was reported. At least four rescue teams took part in the initial response, while additional support arrived from Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi to help contain the fire.
Officials said the flames spread quickly through the market and affected nine sections in total. Rescue workers have so far brought six sections under control, while operations continue in the remaining three. The administration said nearly 75 percent of the fire had been contained by the time of the latest update.
The concerned assistant commissioner also reached the bazaar soon after the incident and supervised rescue, relief and coordination efforts on the ground.
Fire spreads rapidly across multiple sections of market
Authorities said the blaze engulfed a large part of the market within a short time, causing heavy damage to stalls and merchandise. While no casualties were immediately reported, officials remained focused on preventing the fire from spreading further and securing the surrounding area.
The district administration has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, while early attention has turned to safety violations inside the bazaar.
LPG crackdown intensifies after latest market blaze
Officials said strict action has already been taken against the use of LPG cylinders in the market area, where a ban is in place due to fire hazards. The administration noted that operations against illegal cylinder use are being carried out regularly.
Just a day before the fire, authorities arrested nine people, including shopkeepers, for violating safety rules related to LPG use. Officials now say the crackdown will continue and may be expanded to prevent similar incidents in public markets.
The fire has once again raised concerns about enforcement of safety standards in crowded commercial areas, especially temporary markets where electrical faults, open flames and illegal gas cylinders can quickly turn small incidents into large-scale emergencies.
