KARACHI: A sudden fire broke out Monday in a private superstore on Zamzama Street in Clifton’s Defence Phase 5 near Zamzama Park, triggering panic and a stampede in the surrounding area, rescue officials said.
Fire brigade teams arrived immediately and deployed six fire tenders to douse the blaze.
Officials said initial information suggested that the fire originated in an ATM on the first floor of Imtiaz Super Store after a short circuit and then spread to adjacent sections of the store, which houses crockery, cosmetics and clothing. Rescue teams faced difficulties as heavy smoke and darkness hampered operations in the basement.
Media sources at the scene said crews are cutting access doors with hydraulic cutters to reach anyone who might be trapped and to gain control of the inferno. Video footage circulated from the scene reportedly shows the ATM area on fire.
Store staff attempted to extinguish the flames with portable extinguishers after the outbreak, but were unable to contain the fire and it continued to spread until the arrival of the fire brigade. Police and rescue officials said there were no casualties reported.
Firefighters continued containment and ventilation efforts as investigations into the cause — initially cited as an ATM short circuit — proceed. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to operate.
