What Caused the Fatal Fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi?
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Synopsis
A tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza in Karachi has claimed six lives and left many injured. As rescue efforts continue, the community grapples with the devastating consequences of this incident. Stay informed as we unfold the details surrounding this catastrophic event and its impact on the victims and their families.
Key Takeaways
- At least six fatalities reported.
- Over a dozen injured individuals receiving treatment.
- Rescue efforts hampered by extreme heat.
- Gul Plaza has been declared structurally unsafe.
- Ongoing investigation into the cause of the fire.
Islamabad, Jan 18 (NationPress) A devastating fire incident occurred at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the loss of at least six lives and injuring over a dozen individuals, according to reports from local media on Sunday.
The fatalities included a firefighter named Furqan, who was discovered beneath the debris and subsequently transported to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, as reported by Geo News.
The firefighting efforts are ongoing, with the blaze persisting for over 13 hours, causing several sections of the mall to collapse due to extreme heat, stated rescue officials.
Health authorities confirmed the arrival of at least four deceased individuals at the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, along with two others sent to the Burns Ward. A total of 15 injured persons received treatment at the Trauma Centre, with 14 already discharged. Two more injured individuals were transported to Jinnah Hospital and were released post-treatment.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan mentioned that Gul Plaza occupies a two-acre area.
Khan further stated that the fire continues to burn along the edges of the plaza, which has been deemed structurally unsafe. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) is set to evaluate the building’s condition and make an official announcement.
He explained that the extreme heat within the structure is obstructing rescue efforts, as the plaza is sealed from all sides and lacks an adequate ventilation system, complicating firefighting operations.
Meanwhile, Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, the Chief Operating Officer of Sindh Emergency Service Rescue 1122, reported that 20 fire tenders and four snorkels are actively involved in the firefighting operations from three different sides of Gul Plaza.
Fire brigade officials expressed concern that additional individuals may still be trapped within the mall. "At this moment, we cannot ascertain how many people might still be inside the building," stated the official.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of community safety and the need for stringent fire safety regulations. The tragic events at Gul Plaza serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and the urgent need for effective emergency response systems. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Gul Plaza?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation by authorities.
How many people were affected by the fire?
At least six people lost their lives, and over a dozen were injured in the incident.
What is being done to rescue those trapped?
Firefighters are actively engaged in rescue operations, but the intense heat and structural issues complicate their efforts.
Where were the injured taken for treatment?
Injured individuals were taken to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre and Jinnah Hospital for treatment.
Is the building safe after the fire?
The Sindh Building Control Authority has declared the building dilapidated and will assess its condition.
