Karachi, Pakistan: A massive fire broke out at the Arshi shopping mall in Karachi on Wednesday evening, December 6th, 2023, engulfing the building and neighboring residential flats. Local media reported that hundreds of people were evacuated from the scene as firefighters battled the blaze.
Horrifying Video Emerges
Video footage circulated online showed flames leaping from the mall's upper floors, billowing thick black smoke into the night sky. The fire reportedly started around 8 pm local time and quickly spread due to the presence of flammable materials in the mall.
Evacuation and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from the affected apartments and nearby buildings. According to reports, several people sustained injuries, including firefighters, but no casualties have been confirmed yet.
Cause of Fire Unknown
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities have yet to release any official statement regarding the incident.
Impact on Businesses and Local Community
The fire has caused significant damage to the mall and surrounding shops. The incident is likely to impact businesses and disrupt the local community.
Public Outrage and Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage and concerns among the public regarding fire safety regulations in Pakistani shopping malls. Many netizens questioned the effectiveness of emergency response protocols.
This is a developing story. We will provide further updates as information becomes available.
Here are some additional details about the incident:
- The fire reportedly started on the fifth floor of the mall.
- Firefighters from multiple stations were deployed to contain the blaze.
- The mall is located in a densely populated area of Karachi.
- The fire caused traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.
- The incident is a major setback for the city's economy.
- Local authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.