Fire at Karachi's Zamzama departmental store largely brought under control

Rescue efforts may take upwards of two hours because of the smoke, rescue officials say

KARACHI:

A fire that broke out at the Imtiaz departmental store located in Karachi's Zamzama street in the Clifton area on Monday, triggering panic in the vicinity as fire brigade teams rushed to the scene, has been largely brought under control, according to fire brigade officials.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the fire brigade received the alert at around 6am, following which vehicles were immediately dispatched from the Saddar fire station. He confirmed that the blaze initially erupted in the basement and has since been extinguished, while isolated spots on the ground floor are still being doused.

According to fire brigade officials, six fire tenders were currently engaged in efforts to control the blaze. Dense smoke and darkness in the basement had hampered rescue and firefighting operations.

Rescue sources said doors are being cut open with cutters to gain access to the basement, reach any individuals who may be trapped inside, and bring the fire under control. The officials add that rescue operations may take up to two hours to complete.

According to officials, no staff were present inside the building at the time, and firefighters are safely engaged in the operation. Initial information suggests the fire may have started in an ATM. Store staff had attempted to control the fire before the arrival of emergency services.

Khan said a false ceiling contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, adding that such structures often intensify flames. He also said that heavy smoke and a lack of proper ventilation made operations difficult, as smoke accumulated inside the premises.

Separately, a suspicious individual was detained outside the store near the basement area by the store’s security guards and is being handed over to the police for further investigation.

This is a developing story and will be updated as details emerge.