Karachi - A substantial fire broke out in a multi-storey shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least 11 individuals, with numerous others feared to be trapped.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning at RJ Shopping Mall on Rashid Minhas Road, as reported by local broadcaster Geo News. The fire brigade successfully rescued approximately 50 people, but additional individuals are still inside the building, prompting ongoing efforts to ensure their safety, according to officials.

Rauf Hamid, one of the rescued individuals, shared his experience with Geo News, stating that when the fire erupted, they sought refuge in a secure room due to the intense smoke, which made it difficult to comprehend the unfolding situation.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed the tragic deaths via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The cause of the fire remains unclear, and several individuals injured in the incident are currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.