Karachi, Jan 18 (V7N) — At least five people were killed and more than 20 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a multi-storey shopping mall in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.

According to Pakistani media outlet The Dawn, the fire erupted late Saturday night at Gul Plaza, a multi-storey commercial building located on Jinnah Road. At the time of the incident, several people were trapped inside the building.

Fire service officials said 12 fire service units were deployed to the scene shortly after the blaze was reported. After hours of intense efforts, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control.

Most of the shops inside the building were completely gutted by the fire. The blaze spread rapidly to shops selling cosmetics, clothing and electrical goods, causing extensive damage.

The injured were rescued and rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased. The provincial Home Minister also expressed grief and directed the authorities to arrange alternative traffic routes to ease congestion in the fire-affected area.

A police official said that initial investigations suggest a short circuit in a ground-floor shop as the possible cause of the fire. However, a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

END/SMA/AJ