Police say a suspected drug user may have been responsible for starting the fire at the building.
KARACHI: A fire that reignited on Monday in the basement of the already blaze-damaged Gul Plaza, shortly after being extinguished, has now been fully put out, authorities said.
Speaking to Geo News, the chief fire officer confirmed that cooling operations are currently underway at the former mega shopping hub in the city.
The fire, which broke out near Gate No. 2 on Monday, was brought under control with the help of eight fire tenders.
Earlier on Sunday, a similar blaze at the same location had been extinguished with the assistance of 12 fire tenders.
The chief fire officer added that thick smoke significantly hampered firefighting efforts during the operations.
A fire brigade official said that cooling operations are underway after firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze at the once-sprawling shopping complex, which had been sealed following a deadly fire in January that claimed 79 lives.
Initially, three fire tenders were dispatched to control the flames, but the number was later increased to twelve as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control.
Speaking to Geo News, Additional Deputy Commissioner South Asma Batool said that the sealed building caught fire in its basement.
She said teams were trying to gain entry into the premises to assess the situation, while the extent of damage to the shops remained unclear.
Police later stated that a suspected drug user, allegedly attempting a theft, may have started the fire after entering the sealed complex.
The individual has been taken into custody for further questioning, officials added.
Meanwhile, firefighting teams sought immediate support from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, which activated emergency protocols at the Nipa Chowrangi and Safoora Hydrants.
An official said water tankers were dispatched to assist the operation, with the hydrants’ team in close coordination with fire brigade and rescue services.
At the site, firefighters used specialised smoke injectors to clear dense smoke from inside the damaged building. Due to ongoing operations, one lane of M.A. Jinnah Road has been closed to traffic as a precaution.
Traffic police also confirmed that the route from Tibet Centre towards Numaish Chowrangi has been closed for all traffic.
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