A fire broke out at a superstore near Zamzama Street in DHA Phase 5 on Monday, rescue officials said, due to a short circuit in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) installed inside the store. The blaze quickly spread through the premises, prompting multiple fire tenders to be dispatched to the scene. Fire brigade officials confirmed that parts of the building had to be broken to gain access and carry out the fire extinguishing operation. Officials also reported that heavy smoke filled the building, making it difficult for rescue teams to work on the scene.

The fire reportedly started on the first floor where the ATM was located and later spread to other parts of the building, affecting floors containing crockery, cosmetics, and clothing. Store staff initially attempted to extinguish the fire using fire extinguishers, but were unable to contain it as the flames intensified. The blaze ultimately forced evacuation of the premises. No casualties were reported in the incident, officials confirmed.

A week earlier, a man died after a fire broke out at the already damaged Gul Plaza building on M.A. Jinnah Road, rescue officials said. The victim was found unconscious in the debris following Sunday’s fire and was shifted to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have been conducting investigations into the cause of the fire.

Police detained three drug addicts from the site related to the incident. SSP City Ali Hassan said the suspects have been shifted to a police station for questioning. One of them was caught inside the building allegedly stealing copper wires, while two others were suspected of being involved in the fire.

The Zamzama Street incident has raised concerns about the safety and security measures at shopping malls and commercial establishments in Karachi. With recent incidents like this one and a previous one at Gul Plaza, authorities are being urged to take immediate action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. An investigation into the cause of the ATM fire is ongoing.