KARACHI: A massive third-degree fire triggered by a powerful gas leak explosion ripped through a multi-story shopping plaza on the busy MA Jinnah Road on Saturday, resulting in five fatalities and multiple critical injuries.
Rescue and fire brigade officials confirmed the tragic toll, stating that at least five people have died. Twenty injured individuals, many in critical condition, have been urgently shifted to nearby hospitals. Fears remain high as rescue sources reported several people are still trapped inside the smoke-filled building.
The blaze originated on the mezzanine floor of the plaza, which comprises a ground floor, mezzanine, and two additional floors. The flames rapidly engulfed shops on the ground and first floors, causing widespread panic. The Chief Fire Officer stated that a strong explosion, caused by a gas leak, significantly accelerated the fire’s spread, complicating rescue efforts.
The scale of the disaster prompted a massive emergency response. More than sixteen fire tenders, four snorkels, and a water bowser were deployed to battle the intense flames. The rescue operation itself met with adversity when a fire brigade staircase collapsed during efforts to reach victims, injuring two rescue workers.
The affected shopping plaza is a major commercial hub, housing over 1,000 shops according to market sources. The incident has caused significant disruption on one of Karachi’s central arteries and raised serious questions about fire safety compliance in large commercial buildings. A full investigation into the cause of the gas leak and the subsequent fire is expected to be launched once the blaze is fully extinguished.
