Karachi, December 06, 2023 : A fire erupted at Arshi Shopping Mall and adjacent residential flats near Ayesha Manzil in Karachi.
In Ayesha Manzil, Karachi, a fire originated in foam shops and rapidly spread to residential flats, according to reports.
Police officials mentioned that the shopping mall, primarily consisting of foam shops, is fueling the fire’s rapid escalation.
Expressing regret, he noted the absence of emergency evacuation routes in the majority of Karachi’s buildings. He emphasized that action would be taken against those responsible if significant buildings lack safety exits.
Karachi, the economic hub with a population of 20.3 million, boasts numerous factories and towering structures. However, the city’s firefighting infrastructure is insufficient to cope with frequent fires.
In a symposium held earlier in November, urban planners and engineers revealed that around 90 percent of structures in Karachi, spanning residential, commercial, and industrial, lacked fire prevention and firefighting systems.
SSP Central Faisal Abdullah has verified the initiation of a rescue mission to evacuate individuals stranded in the impacted residential structure. The operation includes the utilization of a Snorkel and a Bowser.
Speaking to the media, a resident of the building stated, “I was inside my flat with my four-year-old ‘special child.’ People are cooperating, but I hope our flat is saved. I pray for everyone here.” She also mentioned that the guards successfully evacuated her family to safety.
