Fire at Karachi Shopping Mall: 30 Bodies Recovered from a Shop

In a devastating incident on Wednesday, rescue teams in Karachi recovered at least 30 bodies from the wreckage of Gul Plaza following a massive fire. The tragedy has left the city reeling and raised serious questions about fire safety standards in commercial buildings.

According to Syed Asad Raja, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Karachi South, the remains of 30 individuals were recovered from a single shop, Dubai Crockery, located on the mezzanine floor. He added that earlier in the day, three more bodies were discovered, bringing the confirmed death toll from 28 to 31. As the search continued within the burnt-out shop, officials estimate the total fatalities could rise to approximately 61.

DIG Raja cautioned that the final death toll cannot be confirmed until DNA tests are completed.

The fire reportedly broke out on Saturday, 17 January, and rapidly engulfed the entire market due to dry weather conditions. Its intensity was so extreme that firefighters took over 24 hours to bring it under control.

Raja noted that relatives and shopkeepers had indicated that a large number of people were inside the shop at the time of the fire. “Victims initially believed they would remain safe and that the fire would be contained, but the smoke eventually led to fatal asphyxiation,” he said.

Preliminary investigations have found no evidence of sabotage, and bomb disposal teams were reportedly called in as a precaution.

Local resident Rashid told The Dawn that a special discount promotion had been running at the shop in anticipation of the wedding season. Consequently, the shop remained open until 2 a.m., despite normally closing at 10 p.m.

Gul Plaza, situated on M.A. Jinnah Road, was a three-storey building housing approximately 1,200 shops. Portions of the structure collapsed due to the fire. The blaze was temporarily contained on Sunday, over 24 hours after ignition, but reignited on Monday, requiring renewed firefighting efforts.

A Sindh government-appointed inquiry committee, led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Nakhvi and including Additional IG Azad Khan, has visited the site. Nakhvi expressed concern over inadequate fire safety measures, noting that neighbouring RIMPA Plaza also suffered damage but has not yet been declared unsafe.

Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) official Jafar Khan confirmed that despite extreme heat, fire crews continue to work at the site, removing debris and searching for victims trapped under rubble.

DIG Khan emphasised that accusations of delayed fire response were unfounded. Three fire tenders were immediately dispatched upon notification, although some shopkeepers reportedly obstructed rescue efforts and secured rooftop doors, blocking escape routes.

Gul Plaza Fire Summary

The tragic fire at Gul Plaza underscores the urgent need for stringent fire safety regulations in Pakistan’s commercial complexes. Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation and continued recovery operations.