Massive blaze engulfs plaza in Karachi, 6 dead, 20 hurt, over 50 missing

A massive fire tore through Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road on Friday, leaving at least six people including a fireman Furqan burnt alive and more than 20 others injured as firefighters continued to struggle for control even after ten hours, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.

Efforts were still underway on Sunday night to douse a fire raging for over 21 hours at the Gul Plaza shopping mall, with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah saying that six deaths have been confirmed but over 50 were reportedly missing.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday pledged that the government would compensate those affected by the fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza. 

According to details, 20 hours after the fire, CM Murad visited the building affected by the blaze to assess the situation. Speaking to the media, CM Murad said that the government would ensure redress for the losses caused by the incident.

He said that the fire was reported after 10 pm. the previous night, and the first fire tender reached Gul Plaza at 10:27 p.m. Around 58 people are reported missing.

The chief minister said that six people had lost their lives in the fire at Gul Plaza, a three-storey building with a basement and ground floor. The fire spread rapidly, and arrangements for firefighting should ideally be made within the building itself. A full inquiry into the incident will be conducted.

“The Gul Plaza tragedy is a very regrettable event,” he said. “After the Bolton Market incident, traders were provided assistance. Similarly, the government will compensate for the losses caused by the Gul Plaza tragedy. If any negligence is found, action will be taken against those responsible.”

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab who reached the site to review the relief activities was forced to leave the site soon after the victim families shouted slogan against poor rescue operation by local government.  

According to help desk in DC Office south, at least 49 people are reported to be missing in the fire incident and victim families are visiting the DC office to inquire after the updates. 

Sindh government has also set up helpline to facilitate the Gull Plaza victims. Helpline numbers 02199206372, 02199205625, 02199205670, 03135048048, 02199201196 and 02199205691. 

Karachi traders have decided to mark Monday as day of mourning for plaza victim. Fateha and prayers will be offered in mosques for the departed soul and the injured. Business community demands that the government provide compensation to the victims. No decision has been made yet regarding keeping the markets closed. 

According to rescue officials, the death toll rose to six as teams recovered more bodies from the smoke-filled building. 

The number of injured surpassed 20, while personnel from KMC Rescue, 1122, and Pakistan Navy remained stationed at the scene as the operation entered its extended phase.

More than 20 fire tenders, three snorkels, and two water bowsers were deployed in the ongoing firefighting effort, with additional water supplies being delivered through tankers. 

Thick smoke continued to billow from the upper portions of the building, and officials said it was too early to estimate when the blaze would be fully contained.

Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed of the Pakistan Navy said rescue efforts were being led by Captain Farhan Sheikh and himself, with five Navy fire tenders and 70 personnel actively participating in the operation. 

Pak Navy's Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed confirmed that more people were believed to be trapped inside the structure.

He added that one body had been recovered by the Navy team during the night, while other rescue units had retrieved four more. 

Rescuee officials fear the presence of additional bodies inside the charred building as the operation progresses.

Authorities declared the blaze a third-degree fire as more than 20 fire brigade vehicles and snorkels were deployed to the scene. Fire tenders were summoned from across the city as flames engulfed multiple floors of the commercial building.

Paramilitary Rangers personnel also joined the rescue operation as the fire spread rapidly through the structure. All shops and warehouses on the ground floor were gutted, officials confirmed, adding that the intensity of the blaze caused deep cracks in the building’s pillars.

A portion of the structure collapsed during the emergency response, and authorities warned that the entire building could give way at any moment due to severe structural damage.

Names of the deceased and injured

According to rescue officials, the deceased have been identified as Kashif, Faraz, Aamir, Wazir, Furqan, and Asif, while the injured have been identified as 22-year-old Hamza son of Muhammad Ali, 18-year-old Jawad son of Javed, 18-year-old Ayan, 25-year-old Abdullah son of Zaheer, 20-year-old Usman son of Asghar Ali, 47-year-old Fahad son of Hanif, 23-year-old Zain son of Abdullah, Haseeb, Daniyal, Sadiq, and Rahim.

Six women who had come to Gul Plaza for wedding shopping are also missing. Family members say they have not been contacted since last night.

Police establish Helpline for Gul Plaza fire

After directives from the Sindh government, South Zone Police established a Helpline to facilitate timely help to the people about the Gul Plaza Karachi fire incident.

Citizens are advised to contact 021-99305670, 021-99201196, and 021-99205691 for any inquiries and latest updates about Gul Plaza.

Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police South assured the citizens that they will be provided full assistance after receiving a compalints.

Bilawal directs to utilise all resources to extinguish fire

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari directed the Sindh chief minister to utilise all available resources to extinguish the fire. 

Expressing grief over the loss of life and property, Bilawal offered condolences to the families of the deceased and called for an immediate investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.

A spokesperson for the Sindh government said all necessary resources were being provided and the administration was making every effort to bring the situation under control as swiftly as possible. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also expressed sorrow over the tragic incident.

Sindh CM briefed on preliminary report submitted by local admin

 Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah was presented with a report from Commissioner Karachi and Deputy Commissioner South regarding the fire at Gul Plaza. The fire incident at Gul Plaza occurred between 9:45 and 10:15 pm. 

According to briefing, more than 1200 shops burnt down in Gul Plaza fire. After the fire brigade's action, the fire was 60 to 70 percent controlled. Six people died and 22 people were injured in the accident. 

Sindh Chief Minister was told that all the injured were shifted to the burns ward of Civil Hospital Karachi. 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers and 4 snorkel vehicles were involved in the rescue operation. 33 ambulances also participated in the Rescue 1122 operation. 

President, PM, Senate Chairman, Interior Minister express grief

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow and grief over loss of precious human lives in fire incident in Gul Plaza in Karachi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

In their separate statement, Prime Minister, Senate Chairman and Interior Minister said all steps should be taken to protect the lives and property of the people. They said all possible assistance should be provided to the affected traders and other people. All relevant agencies should work together in the rescue operation, they added.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed profound grief over the tragic fire incident in Karachi.

In their separate statements, they extended their condolences over the loss of precious lives and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims.The President and Prime Minister directed the Sindh government and authorities concerned to provide immediate and comprehensive assistance to the affected individuals and traders.

They emphasized that every effort should be made to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over martyrdom of firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life during relief operations in the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi.

The Prime Minister said Furqan Ali sacrificed his life while saving the public. He said we stand with Furqan Ali's family in this moment of grief. He prayed that may Allah Almighty elevate Furqan Ali's ranks and grant his bereaved family patience and strength to bear this loss.

The Prime Minister instructed to provide all facilities to the injured. 

Reporters: Osama Malik, Salman Saleem, and Awais Kiani