A massive third-degree fire broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi, leaving at least five people dead and 20 injured. Despite hours of firefighting efforts, the blaze continues to rage, with authorities still struggling to bring it under control.
The fire broke out at around 10:15 pm on Saturday on the ground floor of Gul Plaza and rapidly spread to the third floor.
According to rescue officials, five people lost their lives in the incident, while 20 injured individuals were shifted to hospitals, where several are reported to be in critical condition.
Of the five deceased, four have been identified as Faraz, Kashif, Aamir, and Shahroz.
Fire brigade officials said efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing with the help of 20 fire tenders and four snorkels, using water and foam. Fire tenders from the Pakistan Navy are also taking part in the firefighting operation.
Due to the fire, all shops on the ground floor have been gutted. Firefighters are facing difficulties entering the building because of intense heat. The shopping plaza houses more than 1,200 shops.
Rescue authorities said there are reports of several people trapped inside the shopping plaza.
The Chief Fire Officer said that a powerful explosion occurred inside the building, which caused the fire to spread further. He said the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
During the rescue operation, two people were injured after fire brigade ladders broke, causing them to fall.
A rescue spokesperson said the building’s pillars have weakened due to the fire, and because the structure is very old, there is a risk of collapse. He added that it is difficult to determine how many people are still inside the building.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi to use all available resources to extinguish the fire.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief over the loss of lives and property and conveyed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
