DM Monitoring
A devastating third-degree fire at Gul Plaza, located on the busy MA Jinnah Road, has shaken Karachi, claiming at least six lives so far, including a firefighter, while rescue operations continue under extremely dangerous conditions, media reported.
According to rescue officials, another portion of the fire-hit building collapsed during the operation, significantly increasing risks for firefighters and rescuers.
One of the bodies recovered from the debris was identified as a firefighter named Furqan.
With this latest recovery, the death toll has risen to six, while more than 30 other people are wounded and many people are feared to be trapped inside the building.
The fire broke out suddenly around 10:15pm on Saturday on the ground floor of the plaza and rapidly spread to the mezzanine floor and up to the third floor.
Despite hours of firefighting efforts, the blaze has not yet been fully brought under control.
Fire brigade officials said that 20 fire tenders and four snorkels are being used to combat the flames, along with water and foam.
Fire tenders from the Pakistan Navy have also joined the operation. Intense heat and thick smoke have made it extremely difficult for firefighters to enter the building.
Rescue sources confirmed that more than 20 people have sustained burn injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. Smoke continues to billow from the building even after several hours, hampering rescue efforts.
The Pakistan Navy is actively participating in the rescue operation, which is being led by Captain Farhan Sheikh and Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed.
Lieutenant Commander Ahmed stated that five Navy fire tenders and around 70 personnel are involved in search and rescue activities across different sections of the building.
He added that the Navy has recovered one body so far, while other rescue agencies have retrieved four bodies. Officials warned that more people may still be trapped inside, but unstable structures, extreme heat, and dense smoke have made entry highly hazardous.
During the rescue operation, a tragic incident occurred when a fire brigade ladder broke, causing two individuals to fall and sustain injuries.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a shop selling artificial flowers, where highly flammable material allowed the blaze to spread rapidly. A gas leakage reportedly triggered a powerful explosion, further intensifying the fire.
Gul Plaza housed around 1,200 shops. All shops on the ground floor were completely gutted, and traders estimate losses worth billions of rupees. Many shopkeepers said their lifetime savings were wiped out in the incident.
Rescue officials noted that prolonged exposure to fire has severely weakened the building’s pillars. The structure, which was built before the creation of Pakistan, was already in a dilapidated condition.
Authorities confirmed that part of the building has already collapsed, worsening the situation.
Prime Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the deadly fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, directing authorities to take all possible measures to protect lives and property and ensure swift assistance to those affected.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing on Saturday, the premier instructed that all concerned institutions work together during the rescue operation to minimize losses and safely evacuate those trapped inside the building.
The prime minister also directed that affected traders and other victims be provided every possible form of assistance. He expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy and offered prayers for the early recovery of the injured, while ordering that they be given complete medical facilities.
Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic incident. In a statement issued by the Presidency’s Media Wing, the president conveyed condolences over the loss of precious human lives and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.
President Zardari urged the Sindh government and relevant authorities to provide immediate and all possible assistance to the affected individuals and traders. He emphasized that no negligence should be shown in ensuring the best medical treatment for those injured.
“May Allah Almighty grant speedy recovery to the injured and bestow patience and strength upon the affected families,” the president prayed.
The statements from the country’s top leadership come as rescue and firefighting operations continue at the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza, where at least six people, including a firefighter, have lost their lives and several others remain feared trapped under the debris.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site and told media that more than 100 people were feared trapped, including a seven-month pregnant woman. He said the Pakistan Navy, Rangers, and rescue agencies were jointly working to evacuate those inside safely.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed deep sorrow over the incident and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
He assured that all injured victims would receive immediate and complete medical care, adding that the federal government stands ready to provide full assistance to the Sindh government.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also expressed sorrow and ordered authorities to ensure prompt medical treatment for all affected individuals.
Following the incident, panic spread across the area, with a large number of citizens gathering near the site.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has expressed deep regret over the loss of life and property caused by a fire that broke out at Gul Plaza, reaffirming its commitment to providing full support in emergency situations.
In a statement, the PAA said that, on the directives of its leadership, all possible assistance was extended to help control the blaze. Following a request from the district administration, a PAA fire-fighting tender was immediately dispatched to the site.
The authority added that its fire-fighting personnel are present on the ground and are actively assisting the district administration and other relevant agencies in extinguishing the fire.
Reiterating its role in emergency response, the Pakistan Airports Authority assured the district administration of its full cooperation and support until the situation is completely brought under control.
Authorities said the full extent of losses and the exact cause of the fire would be determined once the blaze is completely extinguished and rescue operations are concluded.
