A tragic fire at a shopping center in the city of Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in the death of six individuals, including a firefighter, as emergency services continue to combat the blaze. The incident took place at the Gul Plaza, which houses approximately 1,200 stores across an expansive 8,000 square meters. The inferno, reportedly ignited on the ground floor, quickly spread to upper levels, engulfing much of the building and leading to the collapse of certain sections, thereby complicating rescue operations.
More than 20 people have been reported injured, and local authorities fear that several individuals remain trapped in the rubble. Families of over 30 individuals have gathered outside the mall, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, as emergency services set up a registration desk for the missing. Thick smoke continued to billow from the remains of the structure into Sunday morning, highlighting concerns that further collapses could follow.
During the response efforts, a senior police official noted that firefighters had been unable to conduct thorough searches due to the ongoing flames. Karachi’s Rescue 1122 spokesperson, Hassan Khan, indicated that the mall contained highly flammable materials, including plastic foam and carpets, which exacerbated the fire's intensity.
Summaiya Syed, Karachi’s police surgeon, confirmed that six bodies had been transported to the city’s Civil Hospital, alongside some of the injured. In light of the incident, President Asif Ali Zardari extended his condolences and directed the Sindh provincial government to undertake a comprehensive safety review of commercial and residential buildings throughout the region.
More than 20 people have been reported injured, and local authorities fear that several individuals remain trapped in the rubble. Families of over 30 individuals have gathered outside the mall, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones, as emergency services set up a registration desk for the missing. Thick smoke continued to billow from the remains of the structure into Sunday morning, highlighting concerns that further collapses could follow.
During the response efforts, a senior police official noted that firefighters had been unable to conduct thorough searches due to the ongoing flames. Karachi’s Rescue 1122 spokesperson, Hassan Khan, indicated that the mall contained highly flammable materials, including plastic foam and carpets, which exacerbated the fire's intensity.
Summaiya Syed, Karachi’s police surgeon, confirmed that six bodies had been transported to the city’s Civil Hospital, alongside some of the injured. In light of the incident, President Asif Ali Zardari extended his condolences and directed the Sindh provincial government to undertake a comprehensive safety review of commercial and residential buildings throughout the region.
