At least five people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire that broke out at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on M.A. Jinnah Road, the commercial heart of Karachi, Pakistan. The blaze erupted late on Saturday night, leaving at least 20 others injured, several of whom are reported to be in a critical condition. As of Sunday morning (18 January), the fire remained only partially under control, and rescue operations were ongoing.
According to preliminary reports, the fire ignited suddenly inside the mall, rapidly spreading throughout the entire building. The presence of large quantities of highly flammable goods within the shops—including textiles, electronic parts, electrical appliances, plastics, perfumes, and cosmetics—intensified the blaze. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with dense smoke leaving many shoppers disoriented and struggling to find an exit.
Dr Sabir Memon, Executive Director of Karachi’s Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, confirmed that three victims were brought to the hospital already deceased, bearing severe burn injuries. Subsequently, the deaths of two more individuals were verified. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Syed Asad Raza, warned local media that the death toll could rise, as substantial portions of the building remain inaccessible due to the ongoing fire.
Hassanul Hasib Khan, a spokesperson for the rescue operations, said, “By Sunday morning, approximately 30% of the fire had been brought under control. The building is very old, and there remains a significant risk of structural collapse at any moment.” Consequently, firefighters and rescue personnel are proceeding with extreme caution.
Gul Plaza is a major commercial hub in Karachi, housing roughly 1,200 shops. Its tenants sell a wide array of products, many of which are highly flammable. Experts have noted that the combination of combustible materials and dense smoke contributed to both the rapid spread and severity of the fire.
The authorities have not yet confirmed the precise cause of the fire, though an electrical short circuit is currently being considered a likely factor. A full investigation is underway, and further details will be released once available.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted longstanding concerns about fire safety in Karachi’s ageing commercial buildings. Local residents and business owners are calling for stricter fire inspections and improved emergency evacuation systems.
Key Details of the Incident
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gul Plaza Shopping Mall, M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi |
| Fatalities | 5 |
| Injured | At least 20 |
| Number of Shops | Approximately 1,200 |
| Fire Control | Around 30% contained |
| Building Condition | Old, structurally vulnerable |
| Rescue Operations | Ongoing, carried out with caution |
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Karachi, underscoring the urgent need for modernised fire safety protocols in the city’s bustling commercial districts.