The fire that broke out at Gul Plaza, located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, was completely extinguished after 33 hours, while search operations led to the recovery of eight more bodies, raising the death toll to 14.
According to authorities, the fire erupted on Saturday night at around 10:15 p.m. on the ground floor of Gul Plaza and rapidly spread up to the third floor. The intense blaze caused several parts of the building to collapse, creating serious challenges for rescue teams.
Firefighters brought the fire fully under control after continuous efforts lasting 33 hours, following which cooling operations are currently underway. After gaining control, firefighters entered the plaza and conducted a limited search operation in the burnt shops, during which body parts of three individuals, including a child, were recovered and shifted to the Civil Hospital trauma center.
Since Saturday night, families of the missing have remained outside the burning building in distress, waiting for news of their loved ones. Police stated that mobile numbers of missing persons have been obtained from families, while the last known locations of more than 20 individuals were traced to Gul Plaza.
Rescue operations were also conducted on the third floor amid fears that a person might be trapped there, but no one was found. According to rescue officials, windows are being cut using cutters, and walls are being broken with hammers to facilitate further searches.
Rescue authorities said the building’s pillars have weakened due to the fire, with multiple cracks appearing in the structure. Given the building’s age, there is a serious risk of collapse.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah by phone to inquire about the latest situation at Gul Plaza. The president directed that all available resources be utilized for relief efforts and praised the bravery of martyred firefighter Furqan Shaukat, recommending him for a civil award, while also ordering immediate care for the injured and rehabilitation of affected homes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the tragedy and offered full support from the federal government, stating that the government stands with the victims and the Sindh administration during this difficult time.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site and told the media that the disappearance of over 70 people is a major tragedy. He emphasized the need to identify the causes of the fire and assured that he would stand with the affected people until their losses are compensated.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also revisited Gul Plaza and directed authorities to speed up relief operations. Speaking to the media, he said around 65 people are still missing, rescue work is facing difficulties due to congestion, and operations are also underway from the rear side of the building. He added that no specific time could be given for the completion of cooling operations.
The Electronics Dealers Association has announced a day of mourning today over the Gul Plaza tragedy. Association President Rizwan Irfan stated that the fire caused losses worth billions of rupees and that shopkeepers along with their workers are still unaccounted for. He announced that markets will remain closed today in solidarity with the victims.
