A devastating fire has swept through a shopping complex in Karachi, Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and causing numerous injuries. Shocking visuals captured flames engulfing the Gulo Plaza shopping Centre, as firefighters battled the inferno throughout the night. A large crowd gathered outside the multistory building, witnessing the tragic event unfold.
According to rescue spokesman Hassaanul Haseeb Khan, the fire originated in ground-floor shops and rapidly spread upwards, trapping occupants within the tall structure. Authorities implemented a “mass disaster protocol” in response to the emergency. Khan reported that upon arrival, the fire had already spread extensively, with six fire trucks working tirelessly to contain the blaze.
As rescue efforts continued, the death toll and injuries rose, with rescuers discovering victims within the burning building. Police medic Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that six bodies had been transported to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, while 11 individuals were receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
Firefighters and rescue teams swiftly mobilized to the scene following reports of the fire at Gul Plaza late in the evening. Local media indicated that many shop owners were shutting down their businesses when the fire erupted and rapidly spread.
Television footage depicted firefighters clad in protective gear battling the flames using various equipment, including ladders, water cannons, and hoses. Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky, visible from a distance. The Sindh Rangers dispatched a team to aid in the evacuation of trapped individuals and support firefighting efforts at the site.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with authorities planning to launch an investigation once the flames are extinguished. The lack of adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems in most structures in Karachi and across the country often leads to significant damage and casualties.
The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the presence of imported garments, clothing, and plastic household items stored in the area where the blaze ignited, fueling its intensity. Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has experienced similar incidents in the past, with a previous fire in a shopping mall in November 2023 resulting in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries.