At least three people were killed and several others injured as a massive fire swept through Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road on Saturday, officials said.

Rescue authorities said the three victims died of suffocation after inhaling smoke.

The fire rapidly spread across the commercial plaza, triggering panic among occupants.

Explosions were also heard from inside the building as flames intensified.

Fire tenders battled the blaze amid thick smoke, while additional fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to assist in firefighting and rescue operations.

Several people were reported trapped inside the building, and rescue teams continued efforts to evacuate them.

Six injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed the South SSP to ensure immediate rescue measures and ordered authorities to identify the causes of the fire.

He said all available resources should be utilised to save those trapped inside the plaza.

Due to the emergency, traffic police diverted vehicles from Tibet Chowk towards Jubilee and from Uncle Saria Chowk towards Tanker Chowrangi and Garden Chowk.

Commuters were advised to use alternative routes and contact the traffic helpline at 1915 in case of inconvenience.

Firefighting and rescue operations were continuing at the time of filing this report. The cause of the fire had yet to be determined.

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