A massive fire swept through a multistory shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, late Saturday, killing at least three people and injuring about a dozen others, according to police and rescue officials.
Karachi Mall Fire Kills At Least Three
Firefighters and rescue workers responded to Gul Plaza shortly after 10 p.m. local time after receiving reports of the blaze. Most shop owners were closing their stores or had already left when the fire broke out and spread quickly, local media reported.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. Police stated an investigation will be launched once the blaze is extinguished. Many structures in Karachi, and throughout Pakistan, lack adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems, contributing to damages and casualties.
TV footage showed firefighters battling the flames with ladders, water cannons, and hoses. Flames were visible from windows and balconies, and thick black smoke billowed into the night sky, visible from several blocks away, an Associated Press reporter at the scene confirmed.
Authorities said the fire spread rapidly after igniting in an area of the mall where shopkeepers had stored imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods, which fueled the flames.
Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, has experienced similar incidents in the past. In November 2023, a fire tore through a shopping mall in the city, resulting in 10 deaths and 22 injuries.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
