Firefighters are still battling to control a massive blaze that broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road on Saturday night. Despite efforts, the fire remains uncontrollable even after 10 hoursAccording to media reports, the death toll in the fire has now climbed to five, while at least 20 people were injured, some in critical condition.
According to fire brigade officials, 20 fire tenders, 4 snorkels, and a water bowser were being used to control the fire. The Pakistan Navy’s fire tenders are also assisting in the operation.
A part of the building’s pillar has collapsed due to the fire, while all the shops on the ground floor have been destroyed.
The KMC’s chief fire officer stated that the fire broke out around 10.15pm on Saturday and was soon categorised as a third-degree fire.
Rescue officials have reported that many individuals are believed to be trapped inside the shopping plaza.
The fire originated on the ninth floor, and soon spread to the ground and first floors, engulfing several stores.
Gul Plaza, which consists of the ground, mezzanine and two additional floors, is one of the largest shopping centres in the area, with around 1200 shops.
Senior Fire Officer Arif Mansoori mentioned that firefighters have been unable to enter the building due to intense heat, which has made rescue efforts difficult.
The identities of four of the deceased have been confirmed as Faraz, Kashif, Aamir, and Shahroz.
The chief fire officer said that the fire spread to other floors rapidly after a powerful explosion inside the building. Authorities attribute the explosion to a gas leak.
During the rescue operation, two individuals were injured when the fire brigade’s ladders collapsed.
Traffic disruptions
Due to the fire, several roads in the vicinity, including M.A. Jinnah Road, Garden Chowk, and Anklesaria Chowk, have been closed.
Traffic has been diverted from Tibet Chowk towards Jubilee and from Anklesaria Chowk to Garden Chowk.
Sindh’s Interior Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjhar, has called for the opening of alternate traffic routes to ensure the safety of citizens and ordered an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.
He also instructed that firefighting vehicles and personnel be given clear access to the site.
A Sindh Rangers spokesperson said that their teams have reached the scene and are participating in rescue operations.
Rescue and relief operations
Tariq Qasim, the president of the Gul Plaza Traders’ Association, claimed that approximately 80 to 100 people are still believed to be trapped inside the building.
However, he clarified that all customers have been evacuated.
He claimed that the fire started at a shop selling artificial flowers, which quickly spread throughout the building.
Qasim estimated that the fire has caused billions of rupees in losses.
Karachi Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured that relief efforts were ongoing.
He emphasised that immediate assistance would be provided to the victims to prevent further casualties.
