A devastating fire that broke out late at night at Gul Plaza, a well-known shopping mall located on M.A. Jinnah Road, has largely been brought under control, but not completely extinguished, leaving behind widespread destruction, panic, and mourning across Karachi.
The intensity of the blaze was so severe that two sections of the building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of six people, including a firefighter, while 30 others were injured. According to rescue officials, more than 60 individuals remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
Eyewitnesses said the fire erupted suddenly at around 10:15 pm, with flames rapidly engulfing the entire building within minutes. Thick plumes of smoke filled the area as people were seen running for their lives. Dozens of fire brigade vehicles rushed to the scene, battling the inferno through the night.
Despite continuous water spraying, the fire remained uncontrollable for several hours. Eventually, two parts of the structure collapsed with loud explosions, complicating rescue efforts and increasing the risk for emergency responders.
Rescue authorities reported that many people affected by smoke inhalation were rushed to nearby hospitals. Several were discharged after receiving first aid. Two injured firefighters, Irshad and Bilal, were shifted to PNS Shifa Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
In total, 30 injured individuals were taken to different medical facilities: 13 to the Burns Centre, 15 to the Trauma Centre, and two to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, hospital officials confirmed.
According to Chhipa sources, the deceased include Kashif (40), Faraz (55), Muhammad Aamir (30), and Furqan (25), among others. Grief-stricken relatives were seen outside hospitals, anxiously waiting for news and clinging to hope for their missing loved ones.
Rescue teams continue search operations amid the debris, working against time to locate anyone trapped under the rubble. Meanwhile, anxiety among families of the missing grows with every passing hour.
The tragedy, which struck one of the city’s busiest commercial areas, has reduced Gul Plaza to ashes. However, its emotional impact has deeply scarred Karachi, as the city mourns yet another deadly incident linked to fire safety failures.
