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| Photo File (X/@GUNXHER) |
A third-degree fire erupted at a shopping plaza located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, killing at least five people and injuring dozens, rescue officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to rescue sources, five people lost their lives in the blaze, while at least 20 others sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials said several of the injured are in critical condition. There were also reports of multiple people trapped inside the building as rescue operations continued.
Fire brigade officials said more than 16 fire tenders, four snorkel vehicles, and a water bowser were deployed to control the fire. The operation remained challenging due to the intensity of the flames and thick smoke spreading across the structure.
Initial reports revealed that the fire started on the mezzanine floor of the shopping plaza, which consists of a ground floor, mezzanine, and two upper floors. The fire quickly spread, engulfing shops on the ground and first floors as well.
The Chief Fire Officer said a powerful explosion occurred inside the building, which caused the fire to intensify. He added that the explosion was likely the result of a gas leakage, though a detailed investigation is underway.
During rescue efforts, two individuals were injured after fire brigade ladders collapsed. Market sources said the shopping plaza houses more than 1,000 shops, raising concerns about significant financial losses.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Sindh Chief Minister and the Mayor of Karachi to use all available resources to extinguish the fire. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property, he offered condolences to the families of the deceased and ordered an immediate investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
A spokesperson for the Sindh government said all possible resources are being provided and efforts are underway to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.
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