Cooling under way at Gul Plaza after two consecutive fires

• Police take suspect into custody for questioning.
• South ADC says fire erupted in shop in basement.
• 12 fire tenders took part in firefighting efforts.
  

KARACHI: A fire that broke out once again on Monday in the basement of the blaze-damaged Gul Plaza a little while after it was doused, has finally been extinguished, authorities said. 

Talking to Geo News, chief fire officer said the cooling process is underway at the megacity's erstwhile mega shopping hub. 

The fire that erupted in the basement near Gate number 2 on Monday, was brought under control with the help of eight fire tenders.

Earlier on Sunday, the blaze that broke out at the same place near Gate number 2 was extinguished with the help of 12 fire tenders.

Talking to Geo News, the chief fire officer said the dense smoke made firefighting efforts particularly challenging. 

A fire brigade official said that cooling operations were underway after firefighters extinguished the blaze at the once-sprawling shopping complex, which was sealed following a deadly fire in January that claimed 79 lives.

Initially, three fire tenders were dispatched to control the blaze, but the number was later increased to a dozen as firefighters worked to bring the flames under control.

Speaking to Geo News, Additional Deputy Commissioner South Asma Batool said that the building, which had been sealed, caught fire in the basement.

Teams were attempting to enter the premises to assess the situation, she said, adding the extent of damage across shops was not immediately clear.

Police later said that a suspected drug-addicted person, allegedly attempting theft, may have started the fire after entering the premises of the sealed complex.

The individual has been taken into custody for questioning, they added.

Meanwhile, firefighting teams requested immediate assistance from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), which activated emergency protocols at Nipa Chowrangi and Safoora hydrants.

An official said that water tankers were dispatched to support operations, with the hydrants' cell head in close contact with the fire brigade and rescue officials.

At the affected site, firefighting teams used specialised smoke injectors to clear the smoke from inside the gutted building.

With firefighting operations underway, one lane of MA Jinnah Road has been closed for traffic over safety concerns.

Traffic police said that the route from the Tibet Centre towards Numaish Chowrangi has been closed for all traffic.