Gul Plaza Blaze in Karachi | Huge Inferno Ravages Shopping Mall
The Gul Plaza blaze in Karachi broke out late on Saturday night in one of the city’s busiest shopping malls on MA Jinnah Road, quickly escalating into a massive third-degree fire that has so far claimed at least five lives and injured more than 20 people. Rescue and firefighting teams, along with emergency services, have been working around the clock to control the blaze and reach any potential survivors still trapped inside the large commercial structure.
Initial Outbreak and Fire Spread
According to local authorities, the fire began on the lower floors of Gul Plaza, a multi-storey building housing hundreds of shops selling crockery, clothes, electrical goods, cosmetics, and perfumes. Items like plastic household products and clothing reportedly contributed to the rapid spread of the flames due to their high flammability.
Firefighters first received the emergency call at around 10:15 pm, and within minutes, multiple fire tenders and snorkel units arrived at the scene, attempting to contain the blaze. Despite these efforts, intense heat and lack of internal ventilation have made it extremely difficult for rescue teams to penetrate the building’s interior.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Initially, emergency responders reported three bodies brought to Civil Hospital Karachi, with more casualties confirmed as hours passed. By Sunday morning, officials confirmed that five people had died, and around 20 injured individuals were receiving treatment in local hospitals.
According to rescue officials, many of the injured suffered from suffocation and burns, while several people may still be trapped inside the damaged structure. Thick smoke and structural instability have continued to hinder rescue efforts, prompting authorities to proceed with extreme caution.
Massive Firefighting Effort
Fire brigade officials have deployed more than 20 fire tenders and snorkel vehicles, with additional support arriving from the Pakistan Navy and various rescue departments. The intense blaze, categorized as a third-degree fire, engulfed multiple floors before being partially controlled — but flames still remain in sections of the building more than 12 hours after the first reports.
Officials also noted that traffic disruptions caused delays for firefighting vehicles trying to reach the blaze site from different directions, further complicating rescue operations.
Official Response
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the scene and ordered the relevant authorities to expedite rescue and relief operations. He also instructed officials to compile a detailed report on the incident and ensure all necessary resources are allocated to manage the crisis.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed traffic authorities to clear all access routes around the mall to ensure fire brigade vehicles can operate without obstruction. A thorough investigation has been called for to determine the fire’s cause and prevent similar future tragedies.
In addition to provincial efforts, the Federal Health Minister pledged support for quality medical care for the injured, highlighting the federal government’s readiness to help the provincial administration handle the situation.
Impact on Local Economy and Community
The Gul Plaza blaze in Karachi has not only cost human lives but has also devastated the livelihoods of hundreds of shopkeepers who operate within the mall. The structure housed approximately 1,200 shops, and many traders have reported losses amounting to millions of rupees due to the fire destroying merchandise and inventory.
Local residents and business owners expressed shock and distress on social media platforms as footage and eyewitness accounts showed thick smoke and towering flames throughout the night.
Safety Concerns and Future Prevention
This tragic incident has once again raised questions about fire safety standards in commercial buildings across Pakistan’s major cities. Experts have repeatedly warned about the lack of proper fire prevention measures, inadequate emergency exits, and insufficient safety regulation enforcement in older structures such as Gul Plaza.
With the rescue mission still underway, authorities have appealed to the general public to avoid the area and allow emergency services unimpeded access to the site.
