ISLAMABAD: A massive blaze at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi has claimed at least six lives, with firefighters battling the flames for over 13 hours straight. Local authorities confirmed the tragedy on Sunday, revealing that more than 10 people suffered injuries amid the chaos.
The fire erupted in the bustling Nazimabad area, turning the two-acre complex into an inferno. Rescue teams recovered the body of firefighter Furqan from under the debris, pushing the death toll higher. Intense heat caused parts of the building to collapse early Sunday morning, complicating efforts further.
Health officials reported that 15 injured individuals were rushed to Civil Hospital Trauma Center, with four others treated at the burns ward. Remarkably, 14 have been discharged, while two received care at Jinnah Hospital before release.
Fire chief Humayun Khan described the scene: ‘The plaza’s edges are still ablaze, and we’ve declared the entire structure dilapidated.’ Sindh Building Control Authority teams are assessing the damage for a final verdict.
Extreme temperatures inside prevent entry, hampering search and rescue. Poor ventilation has turned the fight into a nightmare, with the site sealed off completely. Twenty fire tenders and four snorkels from three sides continue the assault on the fire.
Sindh Emergency Rescue 1122’s COO Abid Jalaluddin Sheikh noted the relentless operation. Khan warned that unknown numbers might still be trapped inside, heightening fears.
This disaster follows two recent incidents claiming 23 lives, spotlighting urgent safety concerns in Pakistan’s commercial hubs. Investigations into the fire’s cause are underway as teams push for closure.