Karachi Arshi Mall fire raised death toll and burned hundred shops

The Karachi Arshi Mall fire raised the death toll to five as rescuers found one of the stuck people dead today. According to police and rescuers, four people died on Wednesday after a fire broke out in one of the shops in Arshi Shopping Mall.

This shopping mall is adjacent to Ayesha Manzil in Karachi Central. The Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab was on the scene and supervising the rescue operations. Initially, he confirmed the death of 2 people.

Rescue operation still continues. I have been informed of 2 casualties so far, however will give further confirmation. I am present myself at site https://t.co/sR10nXdrg7
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) December 6, 2023

Later on, Mayor Murtaza confirmed the death of 3 people. He mentioned the finding of a third dead body in a post on X (formerly Twitter). In a previous tweet, Wahab stated that authorities took two people with severe burn injuries to Civil Hospital. It is unknown whether these people are among the deceased or not.

3rd dead body has just been found. https://t.co/oFR6h9EcTE
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) December 6, 2023

Karachi Arshi Mall fire and authorities’ action

A tragic fire at a Karachi mall kills several people and ruins hundreds of shops. Authorities promise an in-depth investigation and speedy relief for affected victims.

Tragic fire in Karachi mall claims lives and destroys hundreds of shops. Authorities pledge thorough investigation and immediate relief efforts underway for affected victims.#etribune #Karachi #EmergencyResponse pic.twitter.com/j3nxQmugMZ
— The Express Tribune (@etribune) December 7, 2023

According to Fire Brigade authorities, nine fire tenders, one bowser, and a snorkel were deployed to extinguish a fire with the support of Pakistan Navy firemen.

Click here to read the updates on the Karachi RJ shopping mall fire killed several people

The fire erupted in an upholstery foam shop on the main floor of the mall yesterday which quickly spread engulfing the five-story residential complex Ayesha Manzil. According to police, a short circuit became the source of the fire.

Central Karachi SSP Faisal Abdullah said the fire rapidly spread to the top story of Ayesha Manzil which led authorities to evacuate the 300 people from an entire residential building.

The ground floor of the mall has cosmetics, fabric, and upholstery foam shops which worsened the fire. Although the amount of destruction is unknown. Rescuers reported that around 50 stores were destroyed with products worth millions of rupees burned to ashes.