At least six people have lost their lives after a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza, a busy shopping mall on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road, late on Saturday night. The Edhi Foundation confirmed the death toll while police said 11 injured people have so far been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi.
An emergency has been imposed at the hospital as rescue work continues.
The fire erupted at around 10:45pm and continued to burn for several hours. By Sunday morning, officials said about 60 per cent of the fire had been controlled but the operation was still under way.
Several parts of the building were badly damaged, and one side of the mall was reported to have completely collapsed.
Rescue operation continues amid dangerous conditions
Rescue teams, firefighters, Rangers, and volunteers rushed to the scene soon after the fire started. Around 20 fire tenders from different departments were used to control the blaze.
Rescue officials said the building is very old and its structure has become weak due to the fire, which makes the operation extremely risky.
According to Rescue 1122, the fire started in shops on the ground floor and quickly spread because the mall contained items such as clothes, crockery, electrical appliances, cosmetics, perfumes, carpets, and blankets.
These goods helped the fire spread faster and burn more intensely.
Tragically, a firefighter named Furqan also lost his life while trying to control the blaze. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab paid tribute to him and said the city administration would fully support his family.
Authorities said the search for any missing people will begin once the fire is completely put out and the cooling process is finished.
Fire likely caused by short circuit, officials say
Sindh IG Javed Alam Odho said initial findings suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit or a circuit breaker issue.
He said Gul Plaza has around 1,200 shops and also includes a basement, which made the operation more difficult.
A police officer also confirmed that the fire appeared to have started from one shop before spreading to the entire building.
Traffic in the area was diverted to allow rescue vehicles to move freely. Rangers were deployed to help with rescue work, evacuate trapped people and secure the area.
Government orders inquiry and promises help
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and called for a report on the cause of the fire.
He also directed that a fire safety audit of Karachi’s commercial buildings should be carried out. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and assured full support for the injured and affected traders.
Senior officials, including the chief secretary and the governor, visited the site and ordered all possible measures for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
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