KARACHI: A massive fire broke out in a residential-cum-commercial building in the electronics market of Saddar on Monday, police and rescue officials said.

The blaze was brought under control after several hours of hectic efforts by more than half a dozen fire tenders. No injuries or casualties were reported.

Rescue-1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb told Dawn that the fire erupted in the mezzanine floor of the building at around 12:30pm. He said the mezzanine and ground were commercial floors containing shops and warehouses of mobiles phones, solar batteries, laptops and high tension wires while upper floors were residential.

He said the fire engulfed the shops which then spread to the third floor. Thick smoke emanating from it created difficulties for firemen as there was no fire safety system while entry-exit point was the same, he said.

He added that six fire tenders, one snorkel and two bowsers managed to control the fire by the evening but cooling work continued till late in the night.

Body of drowned man recovered from sea The body of a young man was recovered from the sea.

Officials said five friends had gone to the beach for a picnic on Sunday. While swimming, three of them were swept away by strong tidal waves. One was rescued immediately, but the other two drowned.

The body of one victim was recovered the same day. The second body was found floating near Sandspit on Monday.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025