KARACHI: At least six people have lost their lives and more than 20 others were injured after a massive fire ripped through Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road late Saturday night. Among the deceased is a firefighter who died during rescue efforts.
The fire erupted around 10pm inside the commercial building and was later declared a third-degree blaze, indicating its severe intensity. Authorities said the fire initially started on the mezzanine level before rapidly spreading to the ground and first floors, engulfing dozens of shops.
Fire brigade units reportedly arrived nearly an hour after the blaze began, raising serious concerns about response time.
Rescue officials confirmed that several people were trapped inside the building, prompting an urgent evacuation effort. Firefighting teams deployed multiple fire tenders, a snorkel, and water bowsers, though operations were repeatedly disrupted due to shortages of water and diesel.
Gul Plaza Traders Association President Tanveer Qasim, speaking to the media in an emotional state, said 80 to 100 people were feared trapped inside. He accused authorities of failing to provide timely assistance and said traders themselves managed to rescue over 200 people.
“Our businesses are already destroyed,” he said. “We only want the shopkeepers to come out alive.”
As the fire continued to rage, the rear portion of the plaza collapsed, worsening the situation and increasing fears that both civilians and rescue workers may be buried under debris. The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that one firefighter was trapped beneath the rubble following the collapse.
Rescue officials later released the names of the deceased, identifying them as Kashif, Faraz, Aamir, Wazir, and Furqan, while one firefighter also succumbed to injuries. The injured include Hamza, Abdullah, Ayan, Haseeb, Daniyal, Sadiq, Rahim, Usman, Fahad, Zain, and Muhammad Hanif, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said the provincial administration is closely supervising rescue operations and ensuring water availability. An emergency has been imposed at Civil Hospital Karachi, while the Chief Minister and Mayor remain in constant contact with authorities on the ground.
Police confirmed that Gul Plaza houses over 400 shops across four floors and said a joint operation is underway with rescue teams. To maintain safety, crowds have been pushed back from the site.
Rangers Join Rescue Effort
On the directives of the DG Rangers Sindh, Rangers personnel have been deployed to assist in rescue and security duties. Officials said Rangers will remain present until operations are completed.
Fire officials warned that due to the blaze’s intensity, it may take considerable time to fully contain the fire, as flames continue to spread within the building.
