Building fire in Karachi, Pakistan
This article needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2023)
Arshi shopping mall fire |
| Date | December 06, 2023 |
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| Location | Aisha Manzil, Karachi, Pakistan |
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| Type | Urban |
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| Cause | Shopping mall fire |
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| Deaths | 5 |
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| Non-fatal injuries | 300 |
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On 6 December 2023, a fire erupted at the Arshi Shopping Mall, a five-story building comprising a ground floor and four additional levels, situated in Ayesha Manzil. As of 16:35, around 500 individuals are reported to be trapped inside the mall.[1][2] According to law authorities, five fire brigade vehicles are engaged in extinguishing the flames, and the evacuation of residents from the apartments is currently in progress.[3] The intensity of fire engulfed a residential tower nearby.
Casualties and damage
The confirmation from local authorities indicates that five lives were lost in a fire at Arshi Mall, with two individuals currently receiving treatment for burn injuries. The incident also caused extensive damage to approximately 100 shops, warehouses, and flats. Shopkeepers affected by the fire have expressed concerns over significant losses to their businesses.[4]
Cause of fire
The fire is reported to have originated from a gas cylinder in a clothing store, as stated by a market worker. Shopkeepers in the affected store promptly attempted to extinguish the fire by fetching water; however, the flames escalated rapidly, eluding their efforts to contain it. The incident occurred at Ayesha Manzil, with concerns raised about the safety of residents inside the building. [4]
Aftermath
Following the successful containment of the fire, access to the building was promptly restricted, and residents were formally barred from entering their respective apartments. The council subsequently issued a directive stating that individuals affected by the incident would be granted permission to re-enter their residences solely upon the verification of the structural safety of the building.
