KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted early Monday morning at a private superstore on Zamzama Street, Clifton, has been brought under control. Police have reportedly detained a suspicious individual found near the premises during the incident.
The Incident
The blaze broke out in the basement of the store around 6:00 AM, quickly spreading to the ground floor and causing panic in the upscale neighborhood. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan stated that fire tenders from the Saddar station were immediately dispatched to the scene. A total of six fire engines participated in the operation. Rescue teams faced significant challenges because the lack of ventilation caused thick smoke to accumulate inside. Firefighters also had to use cutters to break through doors to reach the basement, while the store’s false ceiling acted as a fuel, allowing the flames to spread rapidly across the ground floor.
Initial Findings
According to the Chief Fire Officer, preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated at an ATM machine inside the store. While the store staff initially attempted to extinguish the flames themselves, the fire grew beyond their control. Fortunately, no staff members were inside the building when the blaze intensified.
Suspect in Custody
In a significant development, security guards at the store apprehended a suspicious man near the basement entrance. The individual has been handed over to the police for questioning to determine if there was any criminal intent behind the incident.
Official Response
Mayor Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, visited the site to oversee the final cooling process. He confirmed that the fire is now fully under control and praised the Fire Brigade’s quick response. He told the media that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether any foul play was involved.
