A catastrophic fire erupted late Saturday night at the Gul Plaza Mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, leaving six confirmed dead and 38 persons missing. The inferno led to the collapse of part of the structure, further complicating rescue efforts.
Currently, authorities have managed to contain roughly 60-70% of the blaze, yet ongoing rescue operations are hampered by fears that individuals are still trapped within the building. The fire began around 10 PM and quickly engulfed several storefronts.
In a tragic turn, a firefighter lost his life while heroically attempting to save victims. Six bodies have been recovered and turned over to their grieving families, with 22 others currently receiving medical care.
Tanveer Qasim, President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, expressed deep concern for those believed still inside, estimating that between 80 to 100 individuals might be trapped. He criticized the government's response, emphasizing the market's significant role in Karachi's economic landscape. Qasim also noted that traders managed to rescue approximately 200-250 people during the initial chaos.
Firefighters faced numerous challenges, including a lack of water and diesel, which hindered their efforts. Disturbing calls from those trapped revealed desperate conditions, with some suffering from smoke inhalation and injuries from the ensuing panic.
Officials have cautioned that the fire remains fierce, with containment not expected in the immediate future, posing ongoing dangers for both trapped individuals and rescue teams.
The incident has prompted responses from high-ranking officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed sorrow over the calamity and extended condolences to the bereaved families. They have called for immediate support for the injured to ensure top-notch medical care.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, also expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and property destruction. He urged the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to mobilize all resources for rescue efforts and firefighting, advocating for a transparent investigation of the incident.
As rescue operations remain underway, the city mourns the victims, hoping for the safe return of those still unaccounted for in this tragic event.
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