Fire destroys goods worth millions

A massive fire broke out in a commercial plaza at Alvi Chowk on Wednesday, gutting a four-storey building and destroying at least eight shops along with merchandise worth millions of rupees, officials and witnesses said.

The blaze sparked panic in the busy commercial area as thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the structure.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire started suddenly in a shop on the lower floor and within minutes engulfed adjacent shops and upper storeys. Shopkeepers and locals initially attempted to control the fire but were forced to evacuate as the intensity increased.

Rescue 1122 responded promptly and dispatched six fire tenders along with rescue personnel to the site.