Tragic Blaze at Karachi's Gul Plaza Mall Claims Six Lives; 38 Still Missing

Post by : Mina Rahman

A catastrophic fire erupted late Saturday night at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall, located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, resulting in at least six confirmed fatalities and 38 individuals reported missing. The inferno led to the collapse of the mall's rear section, exacerbating the chaos and hindering rescue operations.

Authorities have successfully controlled about 60-70% of the fire, yet search and rescue efforts continue amidst the fear that several persons may still be trapped within the structure. The fire ignited around 10 PM, quickly spreading through various shops in the complex.

Sadly, a firefighter lost their life during the rescue mission while striving to save others. So far, six deceased individuals have been retrieved and returned to their grieving families, and 22 others are currently receiving medical care for their injuries.

Tanveer Qasim, President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, expressed significant worry for those believed to be inside the mall, estimating that between 80 and 100 people may be trapped. He criticized the government's response and emphasized the market's crucial role as a major tax contributor to Karachi’s economy. According to Qasim, traders managed to help between 200 and 250 individuals escape during the initial moments.

Firefighters confronted substantial obstacles during the rescue, including frequent shortages of water and diesel, which hampered their containment efforts. Distress messages from trapped individuals disclosed the dire conditions, as some suffered smoke inhalation while others experienced injuries from the ensuing panic and stampede.

Officials warned that the fire remains fierce and is unlikely to be fully contained soon, posing persistent risks both to those trapped within and to the rescue workers.

The incident has received attention from Pakistan's leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their deep condolences over the tragedy, extending sympathy to the victims’ families and directing immediate assistance for the injured, ensuring they receive optimal medical care.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, also mourned the loss of lives and property damage, urging the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to deploy every resource possible for rescue and firefighting operations and called for a comprehensive investigation into the disaster.

As rescue efforts unfold throughout the night, the city grieves the loss of life and holds hope for the safe retrieval of those still unaccounted for in this devastating disaster.