At least six people, including a firefighter, died after a devastating fire engulfed the Gul Plaza shopping mall on MA Jinnah Road. Rescue efforts continue as parts of the building collapse and dozens remain trapped.

A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza late Saturday night, quickly spreading across the multi-story building. Despite more than 12 hours of firefighting efforts, flames are still out of control. Two sections of the building have already collapsed, while officials warn the remaining structure is at risk of imminent collapse.

The blaze claimed the life of firefighter Furqan from the Nazimabad Fire Office, whose body was recovered from the rubble and brought to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre. Other victims identified include Asif, Faraz, and Aamir.

Rescue efforts hampered by intense heat

The Chief Fire Officer reported that roughly 60% of the fire has been brought under control. However, firefighters are unable to enter the building due to extreme heat and dense smoke. The plaza, sealed on all sides and lacking proper ventilation, presents significant challenges for rescue teams.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassan Al-Haseeb Khan confirmed that trapped individuals are being aided through snorkels, while 20 fire brigade vehicles and three snorkel units operate on-site. Sindh Rangers and Pakistan Navy teams are also assisting in the operation.

Casualties and injuries

Hospital authorities stated that four bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, while two others were admitted to the Burns Ward. Twenty-one injured people received treatment; most have been discharged, though several remain in critical condition.

According to the Gul Plaza Traders Association, between 80 to 100 people may still be inside the building, underscoring the urgency of ongoing rescue operations.

Structural damage

Rescue officials warned that the building’s pillars have weakened due to prolonged exposure to fire. Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s oldest shopping complexes, houses over 1,200 shops, many containing goods worth crores of rupees. The fire reportedly originated in an artificial flower shop and rapidly spread, causing severe structural damage. Cracks have appeared in nearby Rampa Plaza, raising concerns about adjacent buildings.

Authorities have declared the entire plaza unsafe, urging caution as the structure could collapse at any moment.

Official response

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered immediate rescue measures and the creation of alternative traffic routes for safe evacuation. He emphasized investigating the fire’s cause and ensuring the building is secured to prevent further damage.

Sindh Chief Minister has taken notice, instructing the Karachi Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry. The CM stressed providing best medical care for the injured and ordered a fire safety audit of all commercial buildings in Karachi. Authorities also promised strict action against any negligence uncovered during investigations.

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the loss of life and property, offering condolences to victims’ families and directing all resources to support firefighting and rescue operations.

Impact on Karachi’s commercial hub

Gul Plaza is a key commercial center, known for affordable shopping and a variety of imported goods from countries like China, Thailand, and Turkey. Thousands of small shopkeepers, wholesale buyers, and online sellers rely on the plaza for their livelihoods. The fire has caused significant economic loss alongside the tragic human toll.

Eyewitnesses described panic and chaos, with some fainting due to smoke and others jumping to nearby buildings to escape. Many shops on the ground floor have been completely destroyed.