Massive fire engulfs Karachi’s Millennium Mall, 150 shops destroyed

A massive fire broke out at Karachi’s Millennium Mall early Wednesday, destroying at least 150 shops and causing huge financial losses. 

Initial reports suggest that the blaze to spread rapidly through the mall’s commercial sections due to serious administrative negligence.

According to Rescue 1122 in-charge Ehsan Al-Haseeb, the mall’s fire safety system was completely non-functional, and there were no emergency exits in the building.

He noted that the entire structure was centrally air-conditioned and overcrowded, making it even more vulnerable during emergencies.

He added that the flames quickly reached the second floor as well. Despite the rescue team reaching the site within ten minutes of the alert, fire-fighting efforts were severely hampered due to the mall having only one entrance.

Rescue personnel had to break several windows and doors to access the affected areas.

The fire, which started between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, was categorised as a second-degree blaze. Twelve fire tenders and two snorkels were deployed to bring the situation under control.