Karachi: One dead, 3 fainted in blaze at departmental store's basement

Karachi: A person was killed and three fell unconscious from inhaling of smoke after a fire broke out in the basement of a renowned departmental store near Jail Chowrangi in Karachi on Wednesday, police and witnesses said.

Police said the deceased was an employee of the store, while among the three who lost consciousness was a firefighter.

Earlier, a fire brigade official said that around 11:15am, they received information about a fire erupting in the basement of Chase Up -- the departmental store.

Footage from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising from the multi-storey building as officials tried to put out the flames. Thick smoke also engulfed the surrounding area, causing breathing problems for residents and passers-by.

A spokesperson for Sindh Rangers said paramilitary personnel had cordoned off the area and contributed to rescue efforts.

The Edhi Foundation spokesperson said that the injured and the deceased had been shifted to Jinnah Hospital.