Karachi (nytoday): A devastating fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi has claimed at least 14 lives, while more than 60 people are still feared missing. Firefighting operations were suspended due to the severe structural damage to the building and the imminent risk of collapse. However, debris removal and limited search efforts have continued under strict safety measures.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed confirmed that the main blaze has been completely extinguished and that cooling operations are currently underway. He stated that a restricted search operation has begun, but full-scale firefighting was halted after alarming sounds indicated possible structural failure. The fire, which erupted late Saturday night, continued for nearly 33 hours before being brought under control.
According to rescue officials, the fire was about 90 percent controlled before operations were paused due to the building’s deteriorating condition. Gul Plaza has been declared structurally unsafe and is now considered at high risk of collapse, prompting authorities to prioritise debris clearance over active firefighting.
DIG South Asad Raza reported that 11 complete bodies and partial remains of three others have been recovered so far. Another unidentified body was retrieved from the rubble late at night. He added that police are actively tracking missing persons using mobile phone data provided by families. So far, the locations of 26 individuals have been traced near Gul Plaza, while efforts continue to locate others.
Rescue and firefighting operations involved personnel and volunteers from the Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Rescue Sindh, and other agencies. These teams worked under dangerous conditions to save lives. A 36-year-old firefighter, Furqan Ali, lost his life after being buried under the rubble while performing rescue duties, earning widespread recognition for his bravery and sacrifice.
To strengthen oversight, the Deputy Commissioner South has formed six monitoring teams comprising 30 officers, including assistant commissioners and supervisors. These teams were constituted on the directives of the Commissioner Karachi to supervise ongoing relief and rescue efforts.
Authorities have compiled a list of 39 individuals who reported to the help desk, with the presence of 31 missing persons confirmed at Gul Plaza at the time of the fire. While earlier complaints suggested up to 56 missing persons, and traders estimated that 80 to 100 people could have been inside the building, DIG South stated that verified data currently confirms 59 missing individuals.
Medical officials reported that around 30 people were injured in the incident. Thirteen were shifted to the Burns Centre, 15 to the Trauma Centre, and two to Jinnah Hospital. Two firefighters, Irshad and Bilal, sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at PNS Shifa. Several individuals who suffered from smoke inhalation were discharged after receiving first aid.
Edhi Foundation chief Faisal Edhi stated that families of more than 55 missing persons have contacted the organisation for assistance. He praised the courage of firefighters and rescue workers and urged the public to cooperate with authorities and avoid the area to ensure the safety and efficiency of ongoing operations.
Officials have stated that the exact cause of the fire will be determined after the cooling process is completed and a formal investigation is carried out.