A major fire erupted at the Gul Plaza shopping mall on Karachi's MA Jinnah Road late Saturday night, resulting in a tragic loss of life and a massive, ongoing rescue operation. Officials confirmed on Sunday that at least five people have died and 20 others were injured, with several in critical condition.
Rescue Efforts and Building Collapse Fears
The blaze, declared a third-degree fire, quickly engulfed shops and warehouses on the ground floor and spread up to the third floor of the building, which also houses a basement market. Firefighters and rescue teams from across the city were called in. According to the chief fire officer, trapped individuals were being rescued using snorkels.
Rescue authorities issued a grave warning, stating that the building's structure had been severely weakened by the fire and could collapse at any moment. This danger has hampered efforts, as firefighters have been unable to enter parts of the building due to the intensity of the flames. Express News reporter Mohammad Shah Mir Khan noted that parts of the structure, including pillars, had already begun to collapse.
The president of the Gul Plaza Traders Association expressed deep concern, estimating that between 80 and 100 people could still be inside the building. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassanul Haseeb Khan confirmed that fire, rescue, and ambulance teams were dispatched immediately after receiving reports of the fire.
Victims and High-Level Response
The deceased have been identified as Asif, Faraz, and Aamir, while the identities of two other victims are being confirmed. Rescue officials stated that the deaths were caused by suffocation from the heavy smoke. All injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.
The disaster prompted an immediate response from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow and directed that all possible measures be taken to protect lives and property, and to provide assistance to affected traders and individuals. He also shared condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori visited the site, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Sindh CM and Karachi mayor to utilize all resources. He also called for a transparent investigation to prevent future tragedies. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered an immediate probe into the fire's cause.
Coordinated Emergency Operations
A multi-agency effort is in full swing to control the blaze and support rescue operations. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan reported that about 40% of the fire had been brought under control after hours of effort, though the fire kept flaring up.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Board imposed an emergency at key hydrants to ensure an uninterrupted water supply. Water tankers were rushed to the scene, with CEO focal person Shehbaz Bashir personally supervising the operation. Sindh Rangers also joined the relief efforts on the special instructions of their director general.
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab placed all Karachi Metropolitan Corporation departments on alert, and KMC heavy machinery reached the site under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner Syed Muhammad Afzal Zaidi. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal assured that the federal government was ready to provide all possible assistance to Sindh.
