At least six dead, 20 injured as major fire engulfs Karachi's Gul Plaza

KARACHI: Death toll in Karachi’s Gul Plaza deadly fire on Sunday jumped to six after a firefighter lost his life during the rescue operation, ARY News reported.

A massive fire broke out at shops inside Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi on Saturday night around 10pm.

The blaze has been declared a third-degree fire by authorities.

The condition of 11 injured individuals is reported to be critical. The deceased have been identified as Aamir (30), Faraz (55) and Asif (40), while the identities of the remaining victims are being confirmed.

Initial reports indicate that the fire erupted on the mezzanine floor of the shopping plaza, which comprises a ground floor, mezzanine and two additional floors.

The flames quickly spread to shops on the ground and first floors.

Fire brigade vehicles reportedly reached the scene nearly an hour after the fire broke out. Rescue officials said several people were still trapped inside the market, while four fire tenders and a snorkel were engaged in firefighting operations.

Traders appeal

President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, broke down in tears during a media interaction, stating that an estimated 80 to 100 people could still be inside the building.

He said fire brigade teams were repeatedly running out of water and diesel, adding that desperate calls for help were being received from people trapped inside the market. “We appeal to the government to rescue those inside immediately,” he said.

“We are not concerned about our goods. Our only plea is to save the lives of the shopkeepers trapped inside. The traders have already been destroyed financially — please bring the people out alive,” he urged.

Tanveer Qasim said that water shortages severely hampered firefighting efforts, and that the traders witnessed everything being destroyed before their eyes.

Questioning the authorities, he asked what the government was doing as one of the city’s major tax-paying markets was reduced to ruins. He claimed that traders themselves had rescued between 200 and 250 people.

Portion of building collapses

A devastating fire that broke out at around 10pm last night at the commercial centre Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road could not be brought under control, resulting in the collapse of the back portion of the building.

Rescue operations are continuing at Gul Plaza, though the collapse has raised fears that rescue personnel may be trapped under the debris.

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that one firefighter has been buried under rubble following the partial collapse.

Victims identified

The identities of those killed and injured in the fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi have been confirmed.

According to rescue officials, the deceased have been identified as Kashif, Faraz, Aamir, Wazir and Furqan.

Those injured in the incident include Hamza, Abdullah, Ayan, Haseeb, Daniyal, Sadiq, Rahim, Usman, Fahad, Zain and Muhammad Hanif.

Chief fire officer

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the blaze had been classified as a third-degree fire, prompting the mobilisation of fire tenders from across the city. Fire officials said at least eight fire tenders, one snorkel and a water bowser were being used to control the fire.

Rescue authorities said some people fell ill due to smoke inhalation, while others were injured during panic and stampede-like conditions. Efforts to evacuate those trapped inside the building are ongoing.

Fire officials warned that the blaze continues to spread, engulfing multiple shops, and due to its intensity, it cannot be brought under control immediately.

Sindh govt spokesperson

Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said the rescue operation is being closely monitored and all available resources are being provided. She added that steps are being taken to ensure adequate water supply at the site and to bring the fire under control as soon as possible.

She further said surveys of old buildings in Karachi are underway, while fire safety measures are being enforced in newly constructed buildings.

An emergency has been declared at Civil Hospital, and the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi are continuously monitoring the situation.

Police operation with rescue team

Police officials stated that Gul Plaza consists of four floors, housing more than 400 shops.A police contingent is conducting a joint operation with rescue teams, officials added.

They further noted that the crowd has been moved back, away from the building.

Sindh Rangers join rescue work

Rangers contingents have arrived at Gul Plaza on the instructions of the Director General (DG) Rangers Sindh, a spokesperson confirmed.

Sindh Rangers personnel have joined the rescue effort and are working alongside the fire brigade.

Rangers officers and personnel will remain on-site until the rescue operation is completed, the spokesperson added.