KARACHI: A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday morning at Karachi’s Millennium Mall on Rashid Minhas Road, destroying at least 250 shops and resulting in millions of rupees in losses.
The fire erupted in the early hours, and rescue teams struggled for several hours before finally containing the blaze. The mall suffered extensive damage, with thick smoke and flames consuming much of the structure. According to rescue sources, the incident was likely caused by negligence, with initial investigations indicating a short circuit in the Control and Surveillance Room on the third floor.
Emergency responders received the first alert at around 4:06 AM and rushed to the scene. A security guard had reported a minor explosion in the surveillance room, which then ignited a major fire. The mall’s emergency preparedness was found lacking. The firefighting system was non-functional, and the building had no adequate fire exit—only a single point of entry and exit, which significantly hindered evacuation and firefighting efforts.
Authorities also pointed out that the building’s upper floors contained poorly maintained boilers and chillers, along with hazardous chemicals. These elements likely intensified the flames and made the fire harder to control.
The incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety standards and building regulation compliance in commercial centers across the city. Authorities are expected to carry out a detailed investigation to determine accountability and prevent similar disasters in the future.
