At least three killed and 16 people were injured due to suffocation and a stampede following a fire at Gul Plaza, located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi.
According to rescue officials, panic spread among people present inside the plaza after the fire broke out, leading to a stampede. The rescue sources said five people sustained burn injuries and were immediately shifted to Civil Hospital, while one injured person was taken to Jinnah Hospital and is reported to be out of danger.
Moreover, the rescue officials added that reports were received of people trapped inside shops, and efforts are under way to evacuate them safely. The fire broke out on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza. Upon receiving the report, one fire brigade vehicle was dispatched, followed by additional units.
Fire brigade officials said that five fire tenders are taking part in the operation to bring the fire under control, while rescue and fire-fighting teams are jointly working to manage the situation.
