A Saddar mobile market fire broke out on the seventh floor of a busy commercial building in Karachi’s Saddar area on Tuesday, causing panic among shopkeepers and visitors. The fire erupted at Al-Najeebi Mobile Market, one of the city’s well-known electronics hubs, prompting an immediate emergency response.
According to rescue officials, flames and smoke were first noticed on the upper floor of the building, after which the fire brigade was alerted. Due to the height of the building and the intensity of the smoke, the operation required careful coordination to ensure public safety.
Firefighting operation and evacuation
Fire brigade officials confirmed that four fire tenders were dispatched to the scene and worked for several hours to control the blaze. A snorkel truck was also called in to help firefighters reach the upper floors safely.
During the operation, several people were reported trapped inside the building due to heavy smoke. Rescue teams, with support from Rescue 1122, entered the premises and safely evacuated all affected individuals. Officials stated that no casualties were reported, which they credited to the timely response and swift evacuation.
The fire reportedly damaged parts of the seventh floor and affected multiple vehicles parked near or inside the building. Authorities said cooling and search operations continued even after the flames were brought under control to ensure no one remained inside and to prevent the fire from reigniting.
Traffic disruption and official response
As a precautionary measure, both sides of the road near the market were temporarily closed to traffic. Police and traffic officials diverted vehicles to alternative routes, directing traffic from Bambino Chowk towards Grammar School and from Gulzar Chowk towards Empress Market. These measures were taken to allow emergency vehicles clear access to the site and to avoid further congestion in the area.
Fire brigade officials said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined. An investigation will be carried out once the site is fully secured. Initial assessments suggest that the fire spread quickly due to the presence of electronic goods and combustible materials commonly found in mobile markets.
Authorities have urged building owners and traders to follow fire safety guidelines strictly, especially in crowded commercial areas. Further updates will be shared after the completion of the investigation and final damage assessment.