At least six killed as fire rips through Karachi shopping mall
At least six people have been killed and around 20 injured after a major fire tore through a shopping mall in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi. The blaze erupted inside a densely packed commercial complex and spread rapidly, making evacuation difficult and trapping people inside.
Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, managing to bring only part of the fire under control by early Sunday. The mall reportedly houses about 1,200 shops, raising fears that some people may have remained inside during the fire. Rescue efforts were further hampered when sections of the building collapsed due to the intensity of the flames.
Initial assessments suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in one of the shops, but officials say a full investigation is required to determine the exact cause and assess structural safety risks.
Pakistan’s leadership offered condolences to the families of those killed and pledged full support for the injured. Authorities have been instructed to ensure medical treatment for victims and assistance for traders whose livelihoods were affected by the disaster.
