Tragedy at Karachi’s Gul Plaza: Dozens Feared Missing After Deadly Fire
A devastating fire at Gul Plaza, a busy shopping mall located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, has left the city in shock as rescue teams continue searching for people feared trapped inside the building. The blaze, which erupted late at night, spread rapidly through multiple floors, engulfing hundreds of shops and filling the structure with thick smoke.
1/18/20261 min read
What Happened
According to initial reports, the fire broke out suddenly and intensified within minutes, making evacuation extremely difficult. Many shopkeepers and workers were still inside when the flames spread, while others rushed back in an attempt to save their livelihoods. Firefighters battled the inferno for hours, facing severe challenges due to narrow access points, dense smoke, and structural instability.
Casualties and Injuries
Authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities, including the tragic loss of a firefighter who died during rescue operations. More than 30 people sustained injuries, many suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Several victims remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals.
Dozens Still Unaccounted For
While officials have not released a confirmed figure, families report that over 30 people remain missing or uncontactable. Relatives gathered outside the plaza and hospitals throughout the night, anxiously searching for loved ones who had gone to work or shopping before the fire broke out. Emotional scenes unfolded as families pleaded for information amid ongoing rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Continue
Fire brigade units, Rescue 1122, and other emergency services remain on site, conducting search and cooling operations. The situation is complicated by the building’s layout and the risk of collapse in certain areas. Authorities have also set up helplines to assist families in reporting missing persons and receiving updates.
Questions Over Safety Measures
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in commercial buildings across Karachi. Eyewitnesses and shop owners have pointed to blocked exits, lack of emergency staircases, and inadequate firefighting equipment inside the plaza. Officials have promised a full investigation once rescue operations conclude.
A City in Mourning
As Karachi watches the tragedy unfold, the focus remains on finding the missing and supporting affected families. The Gul Plaza fire stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such disasters 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