Karachi Mall Fire in Gul Plaza Kills 21 as Dozens Remain Missing
Karachi Mall Fire in Gul Plaza Kills 21 as Dozens Remain Missing
Devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has claimed at least 21 lives with dozens still missing as rescue teams battle to reach survivors amid rubble.
A massive fire ripped through Gul Plaza, a sprawling shopping complex in Karachi, late Saturday night and authorities say the death toll has reached at least 21 with dozens more still unaccounted for. Rescuers battled flames for more than 24 hours before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, though pockets of fire continued to flare as crews worked to search the rubble. The building, which housed about 1,200 stores and covered around 8,000 square meters, suffered extensive structural damage. Parts of the structure collapsed, complicating recovery efforts and raising concerns it could come down further.
Officials said debris and limited ventilation slowed searches, and cranes were deployed to shift wreckage in hopes of locating more victims. A city desk has been set up to register the missing and track family members hoping for news. Smoke continued to billow from the remains of the complex as investigators begin to piece together how the fire started and spread so rapidly.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people rushed to safety and firefighters labored through the night. Reports indicate that the blaze spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials like plastic foam, cloth, and perfumes within the building. With the vast extent of damage, authorities warned that the worst may still be revealed as operations proceed and the structure stabilizes. The tragedy underscores the ongoing need for safety standards and emergency preparedness in Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs.
