A massive fire that erupted at a departmental store in Karachi’s upscale Clifton area early Monday was brought under control after an extensive 12-hour firefighting operation, officials said.

The blaze broke out in the early hours, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and triggering panic in the surrounding neighbourhood. Fire brigade teams responded swiftly, evacuating the building and preventing any loss of life.

According to officials, the fire was caused by a short circuit in an ATM installed on the ground floor of the store. The flames quickly spread to the basement, intensifying the situation.

A total of 12 fire tenders, two water tankers and a snorkel vehicle took part in the operation to bring the fire under control. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to dense smoke and the structure of the building, which allowed flames to spread rapidly.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the site and reviewed the rescue efforts.

Speaking to the media, he confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.

Authorities said timely action by rescue teams helped save several lives and prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Officials have expressed concern over a recent surge in fire incidents across the city, particularly in commercial buildings. They stressed the need for stricter safety measures and regular inspections to avoid similar emergencies.

The fire was finally extinguished after hours of continuous effort, with cooling operations carried out to prevent any flare-ups.

Earlier, a separate fire incident at a nearby store in Clifton was quickly brought under control without injuries, highlighting ongoing concerns about fire safety in commercial buildings.

Officials said efforts remain focused on containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures, while city authorities continue fire safety audits to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.