250 shops gutted, millions lost in Karachi Millennium Mall fire

KARACHI: At least 250 shops were destroyed and millions of rupees in financial losses were reported after a massive fire engulfed Millennium Mall on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi on Wednesday, ARY News reported.

Rescue workers battled the flames for several hours before finally bringing the fire under control, which caused extensive damage to the Millennium Mall.

According to rescue officials, the fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday. Initial investigations have pointed to negligence on the part of the mall’s management, among other contributing factors.

Speaking to ARY News, 1122 Incharge, Hassan, said they received the first alert about the incident at 4:06 AM.

“We responded quickly. A security guard informed us that a short circuit in the ‘Control and Surveillance Room’ on the third floor triggered a minor explosion, which caused the fire,” Hassan said.

He further revealed that the Millennium Mall’s firefighting system was inactive and there was no proper fire exit. The building had only one entry and exit route, which hampered firefighting efforts.

“The boilers and chillers on the upper floors were in unsafe condition, and chemicals stored there also fueled the flames,” he added.