Massive fire tears through Karachi mall, killing six
Massive fire tears through Karachi mall, killing six
A massive fire tore through Gul Plaza in Karachi, killing six and injuring dozens as firefighters race to prevent further collapse.
A massive blaze ripped through Gul Plaza, a bustling shopping mall in Karachi's historic downtown, late Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring dozens as firefighters battled the flames through the night. Local rescue teams said the fire began on the ground floor and spread rapidly to upper levels, engulfing large portions of the building. Firefighting units used ladders, water cannons and hoses while hundreds of onlookers gathered nearby, with thick smoke billowing over the city.
Rescue officials invoked mass disaster protocols as the blaze continued to rage. Inside, charred storefronts and a bright orange glow revealed the intensity of the fire, and reports suggested parts of the structure had started to collapse, fuelling fears that the entire building could come down.
Authorities said the blaze may have been fueled by imported garments, clothing and plastic household goods stored on lower floors, though the exact cause was not immediately known and an investigation would be launched once the fire was extinguished. The fire’s rapid spread and the building’s age raised questions about safety in Karachi’s busy commercial districts.
Police and rescue teams reported six deaths and 11 injuries in the early minutes and hours after the fire erupted, with accounts noting that a firefighter was among those who died. The casualty figure has varied in initial reports as teams continued to account for shoppers and shopkeepers who were inside the mall at the time.
Crews warned that the structure could collapse further, and rescue efforts continued into Sunday as investigators prepared to inspect debris and interview witnesses. City officials pledged a thorough probe into the incident and called for a review of fire safety measures in similar commercial hubs across the city, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and preparedness to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.
