The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has sealed Rimpa Plaza due to threats posed by the deadly fire that engulfed Gul Plaza earlier and has now declared it unsafe.
The authority sealed the building under official safety guidelines. Senior engineer Arif Qasim of Pakistan Engineering Council conducted a site inspection, accompanied by SBCA representatives.
In view of the situation, SBCA officials shared that notices have been issued to management and shop owners in the affected area.
It was revealed that two columns of Rimpa Plaza suffered damages due to the Gul Plaza fire. The damaged section of the building has been sealed off with an immediate ban on entry, they added.
SBCA officials said that strict legal action will be taken against anyone who violates the notices. No one is allowed to enter or use the building without official permits.
According to the authority, the connected structure between Rimpa Plaza and the affected building was closely inspected with the use of jacks.
SBA experts found out that the affected columns pose a serious threat, despite lifting the structure.
Following an inspection, the authority also announced the removal of debris under the strict supervision of SBCA experts.
Gul Plaza bodies identified
The Gul Plaza fire that erupted Saturday night, has claimed at least 29 lives as three more bodies were identified earlier today with 86 people still missing.
As search efforts continue, forensic teams have been racing against time to identify the bodies discovered from the debris. As of yet, 11 bodies have been identified with 17 more at the morgue pending identification.
Rescue teams continued operations on Tuesday and remain in the area clearing more floors. So far, the ground floor, mezzanine and first floors have been cleared.
As each floor was inspected, rescue teams removed 32 vehicles including cars along with large generators from the rooftop of Gul Plaza.
