Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Claims 10 Lives, Blaze Uncontrolled

Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Claims 10 Lives after a massive blaze broke out at a commercial plaza on MA Jinnah Road late at night. Firefighters continue efforts to control the fire, while authorities fear the death toll may increase.

Rescue officials confirmed that a firefighter also lost his life during the operation. More than 30 people suffered injuries, and doctors described the condition of 11 victims as critical.

Building Structure Severely Damaged

The fire caused serious damage to the old building. Deep cracks appeared in the structure, and two sections collapsed. Officials warned that the entire plaza could collapse due to extreme structural weakness.

Rescue 1122 Sindh reported that teams controlled nearly 77 percent of the fire. However, flames still burned on the upper floors.

Victims Identified

Authorities identified the deceased as 40-year-old Kashif, 55-year-old Faraz, 30-year-old Aamir, 28-year-old Aamir, and one unidentified person. Firefighter Furqan Ali died during rescue work and received recognition as a martyr.

Shops and Floors Destroyed

The three-story plaza housed more than 1,200 shops selling clothes, crockery, perfumes, makeup, electronics, and toys. Fire destroyed the ground and mezzanine floors. Flames also spread to the upper two floors.

Read Also: Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi Claims Lives, Causes Massive Loss

Rescue and Firefighting Operations Continue

Fire tenders from the Pakistan Airports Authority joined the operation. The Pakistan Navy provided snorkels and fire tenders. Sindh Rangers and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation teams also assisted at the site.

Officials faced major difficulties due to poor ventilation. Closed windows trapped heavy smoke inside the building. The lack of emergency exits slowed rescue work. Water shortages and traffic congestion further delayed operations.

Emergency Response Timeline

Rescue 1122 received the first emergency call at 10:38 pm. Authorities immediately dispatched rescue vehicles and fire tenders. Around 22 fire tenders and four snorkels from KMC took part in the operation.

Officials stated that shops stored large quantities of chemicals, which intensified the fire and delayed control efforts. The rear portion of the plaza collapsed due to extreme heat.

Cooling Process May Take Days

Officials confirmed that firefighting remains ongoing and refused to give a fixed timeline. After extinguishing the flames, teams will start the cooling process, which may take two to three days. The building remains in a dangerous condition.

Read Also: Cooling Process of Gul Plaza Fire May Take Four Days

Chief Fire Officer Confirms Third-Degree Fire

Karachi Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan described the incident as a third-degree fire. He said part of the building collapsed, causing a blast that worsened the situation. One firefighter died after getting trapped under debris. The cooling process may take three to four days.

Firefighters received the alert at 10:27 pm. Fourteen fire vehicles, three snorkels, and two water bowsers reached the site from different areas of Karachi.

People Feared Trapped Inside

Rescue officials reported that several people remained trapped inside the plaza. Teams used snorkels to evacuate people from upper floors. Authorities enforced emergency measures at nearby hydrants to ensure the water supply.

Rangers and Traffic Control

Sindh Rangers deployed heavy personnel to assist rescue teams and manage traffic. Officials stated that saving lives and preventing the fire from spreading remained the top priority.

Political Leaders React

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives. He directed the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to use all available resources. He also ordered an immediate investigation.

The Sindh Interior Minister instructed authorities to stop the fire from spreading and determine its cause. He also ordered alternative routes for public safety.

Karachi Mayor Assures Support

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. He said rescue teams remained active and directed all municipal departments to stay alert and support affected families.

Sindh Government Calls for Accountability

Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said federal agencies, the Pakistan Navy, and city authorities actively worked to control the fire. She confirmed casualties and injuries and stressed that authorities would act against negligence. She added that only two of the seven exits in the building were open.

Investigation Underway

Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Officials stated that rescue operations remained the immediate priority before a detailed inquiry.

Final Thoughts

Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Claims 10 Lives and highlights serious safety failures in old commercial buildings. As rescue teams continue operations, authorities fear further losses and stress the need for strict fire safety enforcement to prevent future tragedies.