Karachi Mall Fire Kills 26, Including Children; Death Toll May Rise
A devastating fire at a shopping mall in Karachi has claimed at least 26 lives, with children among the victims. Rescue officials fear the death toll could increase as operations continue at the gutted building.
Key Details of the Tragedy
- Location: RJ Shopping Mall, Rashid Minhas Road, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi.
- Casualties: 26 confirmed dead, 27 injured. Many victims were trapped inside.
- Cause: Fire originated in the basement parking area, used as a storage facility, and spread rapidly.
- Illegal Operations: The building housed a call centre and software houses on upper floors in a residential building.
Official Response and Rescue Challenges
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed the casualties, revealing the building had been sealed previously for violations but was reopened after a court order. Firefighters struggled to reach upper floors due to the blaze’s intensity.
The injured were taken to Jinnah Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital.
Compensation and Inquiry Ordered
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed grief and ordered an inquiry. He announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
A Recurring Safety Crisis
This is Karachi’s second major fire in weeks, following an April restaurant blaze in Boat Basin that killed 12 people, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the city.
