KMC fire brigade rescues 500 lives in Arshi Shopping Mall inferno: Report

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire department saved the lives of approximately 500 individuals during a fire that erupted at Arshi Shopping Mall near Ayesha Manzil on Wednesday, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Preliminary fire incident report, compiled by the KMC faced challenges in determining the cause of the fire eruption.

However, it highlighted critical deficiencies in the building's safety infrastructure, noting the absence of emergency exits, alarms, and exit signs. 

The fire was initially reported at 5:41 pm, triggering a swift response from the firefighting team, which reportedly left at 5:42 am.

The findings of the report disclosed that two apartments on the 2nd floor sustained slight damage, while an apartment on the third floor was entirely consumed by the flames.

On the ground floor, 169 shops were reduced to complete ashes, while prompt action saved 120 shops on the ground floor and 30 on the mezzanine floor.

The ground floor primarily housed shops dealing in goods, textiles, and wooden furniture, the report said.

Tragically, 18 motorcycles and one car parked in front of the shopping mall were reduced to ashes by the intense fire, as noted in the report.

Despite the devastation, KMC asserted that they successfully safeguarded 73 out of 76 apartments within the building from the flames.

The report also highlighted the successful rescue of nearby residential buildings, banks, electronic markets, and warehouses.

 The fire, originating on the ground floor, swiftly spread to the mezzanine floor and then extended to the first-floor apartments, detailing the catastrophic nature of the incident.

The report added that the Fire Brigade department did not receive timely information about the fire outbreak.

 Despite this, the report lauded the efforts of 12 fire tenders, 2 water bowsers, and 2 snorkels from the fire brigade department, who actively participated in the rescue operation.