Gul Plaza Fire Finally Extinguished After 33 Hours, Death Toll Reaches 14
After more than 33 relentless hours, firefighters have finally brought the devastating blaze at Gul Plaza, a major commercial center in Karachi, under control. The fire, which broke out late Saturday night, has left the city in mourning, with at least 14 people confirmed dead and dozens still feared missing.
1/19/20262 min read
A Long and Grueling Battle Against the Flames
Fire and rescue teams worked continuously through the night and into the next day to contain the inferno. Thick smoke, extreme heat, and repeated structural collapses made operations dangerously difficult. Several sections of the multi-storey building were severely damaged, forcing rescuers to proceed cautiously to avoid further collapse.
Even after the flames were extinguished, cooling operations and debris removal continued as authorities attempted to make the structure safe enough to search for survivors and recover bodies.
Heavy Loss of Life
Officials confirmed that among the deceased were shop workers and at least one firefighter who lost his life during rescue efforts. Many victims were trapped inside the building as smoke spread rapidly through the complex, leaving little chance of escape.
Identification of some bodies has been delayed due to severe burns, adding to the anguish of families still searching for missing loved ones. Reports suggest dozens of people remain unaccounted for, though exact numbers vary as authorities verify records.
A Commercial Hub Reduced to Ashes
Located on MA Jinnah Road, Gul Plaza was home to hundreds of shops and offices, making it one of the busiest business centers in the area. The fire has not only claimed lives but also destroyed livelihoods, with traders facing massive financial losses.
Preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though officials have stated that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
In the aftermath, business groups and civil society organizations have demanded a judicial inquiry, raising serious concerns about fire safety measures, emergency exits, and enforcement of building regulations in commercial structures across the city.
The tragedy has reignited a broader conversation about urban safety, with many questioning whether proper precautions could have prevented such a large-scale disaster.
A City in Mourning
As Karachi grieves, tributes continue to pour in for the victims and the firefighters who risked—and in some cases gave—their lives. The Gul Plaza fire stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration