A fire broke out in a shop at Gul Plaza on Sunday, causing smoke to rise from the already damaged building, according to fire brigade officials. “Police say suspected drug-addicted person may have ignited fire; 12 fire tenders deployed to control blaze”.
At first, three fire tenders were sent to control the flames at the shopping complex, which had been sealed after a deadly fire in January that killed 79 people. As the situation worsened, more vehicles were called in, bringing the total to 12.
Additional Deputy Commissioner South Asma Batool told that the fire started in the basement of the sealed building. Rescue teams tried to enter the site to assess the damage, but it was not immediately clear how many shops were affected.
Police later said a suspected drug-addicted person, who may have entered the building to steal, could have started the fire. The suspect has been taken into custody for questioning.
Firefighters asked the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation for urgent support. In response, emergency measures were activated at Nipa Chowrangi and Safoora hydrants, and water tankers were sent to assist.
At the scene, teams used special equipment to remove smoke from the building. Due to safety concerns, one lane of MA Jinnah Road was closed, while traffic from Tibet Centre to Numaish Chowrangi was completely blocked.
