A devastating fire erupted at a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of six individuals, including a firefighter. As firefighting teams continue to combat the flames, parts of the Gul Plaza, which houses around 1,200 stores across an area of 8,000 square meters, have collapsed, complicating rescue operations.
Rescue operations hampered by widespread destruction
Rescue efforts are being severely hindered due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, which reportedly spread rapidly from the ground floor to the upper levels of the building. Local emergency services noted that when crews arrived on the scene on Saturday, “the fire from the ground floor had spread to the upper floors, and almost the entire building was already engulfed in flames.”
In addition to the fatalities, more than 20 individuals have sustained injuries, and there are growing concerns that some victims may still be trapped within the multi-storey structure. Families of over 30 missing persons have gathered outside the mall, anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones. In response, city administrators have set up a desk to register details of the missing.
Concerns over safety and structural integrity
As of Sunday morning, thick smoke continued to rise from the remnants of the Gul Plaza, with fears that further collapses could occur. Hassan Khan, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122 in Karachi, highlighted the presence of flammable materials within the shopping center, such as plastic foam, cloth, carpets, and perfume, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Summaiya Syed, the police surgeon in Karachi, confirmed that six bodies had been transported to the city’s Civil Hospital, along with several injured individuals. She indicated that the police are implementing “mass disaster protocols” in response to the incident.
In light of this tragedy, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his condolences and directed the Sindh provincial government to undertake a thorough evaluation of safety protocols in both commercial and residential buildings across the region.