Fire Breaks Out at Imtiaz Departmental Store
A fire broke out at the Imtiaz private departmental store on Zamzama Street in Clifton area on Monday, causing panic in the vicinity. Fire brigade teams were rushed to the scene and have largely brought the blaze under control.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the fire brigade received an alert around 6am, after which vehicles were dispatched from Saddar fire station. The blaze initially erupted in the basement and has since been extinguished, with isolated spots on the ground floor still being doused.
Six fire tenders are currently engaged in efforts to control the blaze. Dense smoke and darkness in the basement hampered rescue and firefighting operations.
Rescue sources said doors were cut open with cutters to gain access to the basement, reach any trapped individuals, and bring the fire under control. Rescue operations may take up to two hours to complete.
Officials confirmed no staff were present inside the building at the time of the fire, and firefighters are safely engaged in the operation. Initial information suggests the fire may have started in an ATM. Store staff had attempted to control the fire before emergency services arrived.
Khan said a false ceiling contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, noting that such structures often intensify flames. Heavy smoke and lack of proper ventilation made operations difficult as smoke accumulated inside the premises.
A suspicious individual was detained outside the store near the basement area by security guards and is being handed over to the police for further investigation. This is a developing story and will be updated as details emerge.