KARACHI: The fire, which broke out in the basement of Chase superstore in Karachi, was eventually put out after 45 hours of hectic effort on Friday. The cooling process was underway.

“Around 13 flats – out of the total 170 of the 15-storey building – were already emptied. The families in other flats have also vacated the flats,” Ferozabad Assistant Commissioner Asma Batool told Aaj News.

At least one person was dead because of asphyxiation (the state or process of being deprived of oxygen) in the fire at the department store that caught on Wednesday. The deceased was said to have come for a job interview at the store, which is located at Jail Chowrangi.

The fire broke out in the basement of the store at around 11am.

Millions of worth of goods burned to ashes. The fire was put out by water, foam, and iceballs, according to the firefighters’ officials.

Buildings located within a 50 to 60 metres radius of the department store were also vacated after directives from the Ferozabad assistant commissioner.

The SBCA team on Thursday night visited the site of the incident and temporarily declared the building as dangerous. It would be inspected after the fire has completely cooled.

A case has also been registered in the Ferozabad police station against the owners of the store.