Post by : Meena Ariff

A devastating fire broke out late Saturday night at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, resulting in at least six confirmed deaths and 38 people reported missing. The blaze caused the back portion of the complex to collapse, intensifying the crisis and hampering rescue efforts.

Authorities have managed to control approximately 60-70% of the fire, but search and rescue operations are ongoing amid fears that many individuals could still be trapped inside the building. The fire erupted around 10 PM, rapidly spreading through shops within the mall.

Tragically, the rescue operations claimed the life of a firefighter, who was lost while bravely trying to save others. So far, six bodies have been recovered and handed over to grieving families, while 22 injured individuals are receiving medical treatment.

The President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, expressed grave concern for those still inside the mall, estimating that 80 to 100 people could be trapped. He criticized the government’s response, highlighting the market’s importance as a major tax contributor to Karachi’s economy. According to Qasim, traders themselves rescued between 200 and 250 people during the initial chaos.

Fire brigade teams faced severe difficulties during the operation, including repeated shortages of water and diesel, which delayed containment efforts. Distress calls from trapped individuals inside the mall revealed the desperate situation, as some people suffered from smoke inhalation while others were injured in the ensuing panic and stampede-like conditions.

Officials warned that the fire remains intense and is not expected to be fully controlled anytime soon, posing ongoing risks to those inside and to the rescue teams.

The incident has drawn responses from Pakistan’s top leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. They extended condolences to the families affected and ordered immediate assistance to the injured, ensuring they receive the best possible medical care.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, also conveyed his grief over the loss of lives and damage to property. He urged the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to deploy all available resources for rescue and firefighting efforts and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.

As rescue operations continue through the night, the city mourns the victims and hopes for the safe recovery of those still missing in this heartbreaking disaster.

#Global News