Emergency officials confirmed late Friday that the major fire which broke out at a shopping centre on Abdullah Haroon Road, near Fawara Chowk in Karachi, has been successfully contained after hours of intense firefighting.
The blaze, which erupted on the fourth floor of the multi-storey building housing various shops and clothing warehouses, was tackled by six fire brigade vehicles, a snorkel, and water tankers from the Water Corporation.
Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayoun said the timely and coordinated response prevented the fire from spreading to the car parking areas and the office floors above.
Rescue teams, using a snorkel, safely evacuated several individuals trapped on the rooftop despite thick smoke complicating the efforts. No casualties have been reported so far, while several vehicles parked within the premises were safely removed.
The fire department confirmed that the cooling process is now underway to prevent any potential reignition, with water tankers stationed at the scene for support.
Authorities have kept the road outside the shopping centre closed to traffic to facilitate ongoing operations, while police and Rangers continue to secure the area and assist emergency teams.
While the fire has been brought under control, officials said an investigation into the cause is still pending, and a full assessment of the property and merchandise damage will be conducted once the building is deemed safe.
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