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Firefighters battle deadly blaze at Karachi mall
Six people, including one firefighter, have died after a fire tore through Gul Plaza, a large shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, with rescue efforts hampered by structural collapses and fears of further instability.
Blaze spreads rapidly, trapping victims
Emergency services arrived at the scene on Saturday to find flames engulfing most of the multi-storey building, which houses 1,200 stores across 8,000 square metres. Firefighters reported that the fire, originating on the ground floor, had already spread to upper levels, making it impossible to search for trapped individuals.
More than 20 people have been injured, and families of over 30 missing individuals have gathered outside the smouldering structure, awaiting updates. City officials have set up a registration desk to document missing persons.
Structural collapse complicates rescue operations
Parts of Gul Plaza have collapsed, with authorities warning that further sections may give way. A senior police official told the BBC that the ongoing fire has prevented teams from entering the building to recover bodies.
Hassan Khan, a spokesperson for Karachi's Rescue 1122 emergency service, said the mall contained highly flammable materials, including plastic foam, fabrics, carpets, and perfumes, which may have accelerated the fire's spread.
Emergency response and investigations
Six bodies have been transported to Karachi's Civil Hospital, along with some of the injured. Summaiya Syed, the city's police surgeon, confirmed that authorities have activated mass disaster protocols to coordinate the response.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences and directed the Sindh provincial government to review safety standards in commercial and residential buildings across the region.
Smoke continues to rise as families wait
By Sunday morning, thick smoke was still visible above the charred remains of Gul Plaza. Relatives of the missing stood vigil outside, hoping for news of their loved ones as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.
