NewKerala.com

Karachi Mall Fire Kills 6, 38 Missing as Rescue Ops Battle Blaze

A massive fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on Karachi's MA Jinnah Road has killed at least six people, with 38 others reported missing. The blaze, which broke out Saturday night, caused part of the complex to collapse, trapping an estimated 80-100 people inside. Rescue efforts have been hampered as fire brigades reportedly ran short of water and diesel during operations. Pakistan's top political leaders have expressed grief and ordered immediate assistance, along with a transparent investigation into the incident.

Key Points: Karachi Shopping Mall Fire: 6 Dead, 38 Missing

  • Six confirmed dead, 38 persons missing
  • Fire caused partial building collapse
  • Rescue hampered by water and diesel shortages
  • Top leaders order investigation and aid
2 min read

Pakistan: At least 6 dead, 38 missing after fire at shopping complex in Karachi

Major fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza shopping complex kills 6, leaves 38 missing. Rescue operations continue as officials express grief and order investigations.

"What was the government doing as one of Karachi's major tax-paying markets was reduced to ruins? - Tanveer Qasim"

Karachi, January 18

At least six people were killed, and 38 others are missing after a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi, which led to the back part of the complex collapsing, ARY News reported on Sunday.

It further mentioned that while 60-70 per cent of the blaze has been controlled, search and rescue operations continue as fear persists that people may be trapped in the building. The fire broke out at shops inside Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, on Saturday night around 10 pm.

ARY News reported that a firefighter also lost his life during the rescue operation.

Citing South DIG Police, it reported that 38 persons are currently missing, with authorities collecting detailed information to trace them.

It was further confirmed that six bodies have been recovered and handed over to the families, while 22 injured people were under treatment.

President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, said during an interaction with media that an estimated 80 to 100 people could still be inside the building. Questioning the authorities, he lamented over what the government was doing as one of Karachi's major tax-paying markets was reduced to ruins. He further claimed that traders themselves had rescued between 200 and 250 people.

He further stated that fire brigade teams were repeatedly running out of water and diesel, adding that desperate calls for help were being received from people trapped inside the market.

As per ARY News, rescue authorities said some people fell ill due to smoke inhalation, while others were injured during panic and stampede-like conditions. It mentioned that fire officials warned that the blaze continues to spread and that, due to its intensity, it cannot be brought under control immediately.

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the incident, offering condolences to the families of the victims and directing authorities to provide immediate assistance and ensure the best medical care for the injured.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and financial damage, directing the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to use all available resources for rescue and firefighting operations and to conduct a transparent investigation, The Express Tribune reported.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Tragic news. The loss of a firefighter hits hard—true heroes. This should be a wake-up call for all South Asian cities, including ours in India, to audit fire safety in crowded markets. Compliance cannot be just on paper.
A
Aman W
Very sad. The trader's statement is telling—"what was the government doing?" It's the same story everywhere, poor infrastructure and delayed response costing lives. Hope the missing are found safe.
S
Sarah B
Human suffering knows no borders. This is devastating. The images must be horrific. I hope international aid and expertise are offered and accepted to help with the rescue and investigation.
V
Vikram M
Condolences from India. No one should have to go through this. The mention of a stampede is especially chilling. It highlights how crucial crowd management and clear evacuation routes are in our densely packed market complexes.
K
Karthik V
While the expressions of grief from leaders are standard, the real tribute would be a transparent investigation and fixing the systemic failures. Fire safety audits shouldn't happen only after tragedy strikes. Thoughts with Karachi.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50