KARACHI: At least six people have died after a massive fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping mall on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road late on Saturday night, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The death toll includes a firefighter, Furqan from the Nazimabad Fire Office, whose body was recovered from the rubble and taken to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.
The blaze, now in its 13th hour, has caused multiple portions of the building to collapse due to the intense heat. Rescue operations have been hampered by the lack of emergency exits, insufficient ventilation, and the absence of fire extinguishers in the structure.
Hospital sources reported that at least four bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre and two to the Burns Ward. Fifteen injured individuals were admitted, most of whom have since been discharged. Two more injured were treated at Jinnah Hospital.
Firefighting Challenges
Chief Fire Officer officials noted that extreme temperatures inside the building have prevented firefighters from fully entering and controlling the fire.
The mall, comprising shops selling clothing, electronics, cosmetics, toys, and air-conditioning units, has been heavily damaged, with the ground and mezzanine floors completely burned and flames continuing on the upper floors.
District South Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javed Nabi Khoso warned that people may still be trapped on the first and mezzanine floors. “There are fears that people are inside, and rescue teams have not been able to reach these floors,” he said.
The DC highlighted that the building lacked a proper emergency exit, and fire extinguishers were not installed despite regulations.
Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, Chief Operating Officer of Sindh Emergency Service Rescue 1122, confirmed that 20 fire tenders and four snorkels are engaged in the firefighting operation.
Rescue efforts are further complicated by flammable materials inside the building, collapsing sections, and gas explosions reported inside the premises.
Recurring Blaze and Evacuations
Earlier attempts to contain the fire had temporarily prevented it from spreading, but it reignited on the first floor.
So far, 25 people have been evacuated from the building, with authorities uncertain about the number still trapped. Sindh Rangers and other emergency personnel are assisting rescue operations.
Official Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed authorities to provide all possible assistance to affected traders.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and called for strict implementation of fire safety laws, including audits of commercial buildings across Karachi.
Government spokesperson Sadia Javed stated that 40% of the fire has been brought under control but emphasized that firefighting teams are facing significant challenges due to the building’s conditions.
Traders’ Concerns
Traders’ association president Tanveer Pasta estimated that 80–100 people could still be trapped. He also criticized the lack of engagement from senior government officials and highlighted the massive financial losses, as the mall houses around 1,200 shops.
The fire reportedly began in a shop selling artificial flowers on the ground floor.
