Has the Death Toll Reached 14 in the Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi?
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Synopsis
The tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has claimed 14 lives and left over 70 missing. Delays in emergency response have led to widespread criticism of local authorities. As the search continues, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori labels the incident a national tragedy. Will the missing individuals be found in time?
Key Takeaways
- The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire has reached 14.
- Over 70 individuals are still unaccounted for.
- Criticism has been directed at local authorities for their slow response.
- Governor Tessori has labeled the incident a national tragedy.
- Rescue operations are ongoing with efforts to locate the missing.
Islamabad, Jan 19 (NationPress) The number of fatalities in the tragic fire at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan has risen to 14 as of Monday, following the discovery of eight additional bodies by rescue teams, according to local news sources.
The ongoing search continues for over 70 individuals who remain unaccounted for.
The devastating fire broke out at Gul Plaza on Saturday evening.
Outrage has been directed at the Sindh government and the Mayor of Karachi for their slow response to the crisis.
A report from the prominent Pakistani newspaper Dawn indicates that the fire could have been controlled earlier; however, a delayed reaction and inadequate resources from the authorities allowed the flames to spread unchecked for several hours.
Traders and local residents expressed that prompt action from the nearby fire station, civic agencies, and local officials could have averted loss of life and property, yet a comprehensive firefighting effort only commenced early Sunday.
One local resident informed Dawn that they were repeatedly told on Saturday night that there was insufficient water, which significantly hindered the firefighting efforts.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site on Monday to gauge the situation. In a media briefing, he confirmed that "more than 70 people" are still unaccounted for.
He expressed concern, stating, "The reports of over 70 missing individuals are profoundly disturbing and represent a major tragedy," as quoted by Dawn.
The Governor further disclosed that a pregnant woman remains trapped inside, with ongoing efforts to locate her, characterizing the event as a "national tragedy."
South DIG Syed Asad Raza reported to Dawn that the fire safety operation has concluded. "The cooling process has commenced, and debris is being cleared by KMC, TMC, and personnel from the Pakistan Navy," he stated.
The rescue operation is still in progress, and more updates are anticipated.
Point of View
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NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Gul Plaza?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but reports indicate that a delayed response from emergency services contributed to its rapid spread.
How many people are still missing?
As of now, over 70 individuals are reported missing following the fire at Gul Plaza.
What actions are being taken by local authorities?
Local authorities are currently conducting rescue operations and have begun clearing debris from the site to facilitate further search efforts.
Has anyone been held accountable for the slow response?
There has been significant public outcry regarding the slow response from local government officials and fire services, but no formal accountability measures have been announced yet.
Are there any updates on the trapped individuals?
Rescue teams are actively searching for trapped individuals, including reports of a pregnant woman still missing inside the building.
