Karachi (nytoday): Firefighting operations at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi were suspended amid fears that the severely damaged building could collapse following a massive fire that broke out late Saturday night. Authorities confirmed that debris removal continued throughout the day, while search and rescue efforts were limited due to safety concerns.
The death toll from the incident has risen to 14, with more than 30 people injured and over 60 still reported missing. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed stated that the main fire has been completely extinguished and that cooling operations are currently underway. A restricted search operation has also begun where conditions permit.
According to media reports, the fire continued to burn for nearly 33 hours. Fire brigade vehicles stationed at the rear of the building were forced to halt operations after alarming structural noises were heard during firefighting efforts. Officials said the building has become dangerously unstable, prompting the suspension of full-scale firefighting to avoid further loss of life. Rescue officials confirmed that the fire was about 90 percent controlled before operations were stopped due to the risk of collapse.
DIG South Asad Raza said that 11 complete bodies have been recovered from the site, along with body parts of three other victims. He added that another unidentified body was retrieved from the rubble late at night. Multiple agencies, including the Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and Rescue Sindh, along with volunteers, participated in the firefighting and rescue efforts, risking their lives to save others.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) South has formed six teams comprising 30 officers to oversee rescue and relief operations at Gul Plaza, following directives from the Commissioner Karachi. Each team includes assistant commissioners and supervisory staff to monitor on-ground activities. According to the DC South office, a list of 39 individuals who approached the help desk has been compiled, and the presence of 31 missing persons at Gul Plaza has been confirmed.
Tributes have poured in for 36-year-old firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life after being trapped under debris while attempting to protect lives and property. Authorities described his sacrifice as a lasting symbol of bravery for the city.
DIG South Asad Raza further stated that police are in contact with families of 59 missing individuals and have collected their mobile numbers for tracking purposes. So far, the locations of 26 people have been traced near Gul Plaza, while efforts continue to locate others. He noted that the complex housed approximately 1,200 shops, and additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain security and keep routes clear for rescue teams. The exact cause of the fire will be determined after a detailed investigation once the cooling process is complete.
Earlier, citizens had reported to the Deputy Commissioner that 56 people were missing, while the President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association claimed that between 80 and 100 people may have been inside the building at the time of the incident. However, police maintain that 59 individuals are officially listed as missing, with verified details.
Medical authorities reported that several people who lost consciousness due to smoke inhalation were discharged after receiving first aid. Two firefighters, Irshad and Bilal, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at PNS Shifa Hospital. Of the 30 injured victims, 13 were taken to the Burns Centre, 15 to the Trauma Centre, and two to Jinnah Hospital.
Edhi Foundation chief Faisal Edhi said that more than 55 missing persons’ families have contacted the organisation. He praised the courage of firefighters who risked their lives during the operation and urged the public to cooperate with authorities and stay away from the unstable building for their own safety.