KARACHI: A massive fire broke out late Saturday night at Gul Plaza, a shopping mall located on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi, leaving at least six people dead, including a firefighter, and 20 others injured, rescue officials confirmed.
The blaze remains uncontrolled, while two sections of the building have collapsed, raising fears that the remaining structure could also give way.
According to rescue authorities, several of the injured are in critical condition and have been shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi. The deceased have been identified as Asif, Faraz, and Aamir, while identification of others is ongoing.
The Chief Fire Officer said that all shops and warehouses on the ground floor were engulfed in flames. The fire was declared a third-degree emergency, prompting authorities to call fire tenders from across the city. Rescue teams used snorkel lifts to evacuate people trapped inside the building.
Officials said the fire spread up to the third floor, and the plaza also has a basement market, which worsened the intensity of the blaze. Due to severe structural damage, the building has become unstable and could collapse at any moment.
The President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association stated that the plaza housed nearly 1,200 shops and that losses worth billions of rupees are feared. He added that 80 to 100 people may still be trapped inside.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassan-ul-Haseeb Khan said fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances, were dispatched immediately after receiving reports of the fire. Chief Officer Humayun Khan later stated that about 40 percent of the fire had been brought under control, though flare-ups continue.
According to reporters, the fire started around 10:15 pm and repeatedly intensified despite continuous firefighting efforts. Firefighters were unable to enter the building for hours due to extreme heat and falling debris, including collapsing pillars.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation activated an emergency response, deploying water tankers from NEPA and Safoora hydrants to ensure uninterrupted water supply. Officials said water provision will continue until the fire is fully extinguished.
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