A fire that erupted at the Imtiaz departmental store on Zamzama Street in Karachi's Clifton area on Monday has been largely contained, according to fire brigade officials. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan stated that the fire brigade was alerted around 6 am, prompting immediate dispatch of vehicles from the Saddar fire station. The blaze, which originated in the basement, has been extinguished, with ongoing efforts to douse isolated spots on the ground floor.
Six fire tenders are currently working to control the fire, with challenges posed by dense smoke and darkness in the basement hindering rescue and firefighting operations. Rescue teams are using cutters to open doors for access to the basement, where individuals potentially trapped inside need to be reached and the fire brought under control. Officials estimate that rescue operations may take up to two hours to complete.
No staff were inside the building at the time of the fire, and firefighters are reported safe during the operation. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started in an ATM, with store staff attempting to manage it before emergency services arrived.
Chief Khan highlighted that a false ceiling accelerated the fire's spread, emphasizing that such structures can intensify flames. He also noted that heavy smoke and inadequate ventilation complicated operations as smoke accumulated within the premises.
Additionally, a suspicious individual was apprehended by the store's security guards near the basement area and is being handed over to the police for further investigation.
This is an evolving situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
