06 Dec 2023 | 02:30 PM UTC
Pakistan: Authorities responding to fire and related explosion at shopping mall in Karachi late Dec. 6
Officials responding to fire, related explosion at Arshi mall in Ayesha Manzil area in Karachi, Pakistan, late Dec. 6. Avoid the area.
Authorities are responding to a fire and related explosion at the Arshi shopping mall in the Ayesha Manzil area of Karachi late Dec. 6. Emerging reports indicate the fire began at approximately 17:47 before spreading to other adjacent structures, including a gas station, where a related explosion reportedly occurred. Sources suggest people are trapped inside the structure. Officials have evacuated nearby residents. The cause of the incident remained imminently unclear; officials are likely to provide updates over the coming hours.
Heightened security measures are almost certain to occur in the following hours as firefighters suppress the flames. Localized transport disruptions are likely near the affected area. Authorities may restrict access to nearby roads to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.
Avoid the impacted area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors to avoid smoke exposure, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official advisories, including evacuation orders. Heed all official instructions, including evacuation orders.
