A catastrophic fire at the Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, on the night of October 28, 2023, has claimed the lives of six individuals and left at least 11 others injured. The blaze erupted shortly after 22:38 local time, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly to the scene.
Rescue 1122 spokesman Hassanul Haseeb Khan reported that when rescue teams arrived, the fire had rapidly spread from the ground floor to the upper levels, engulfing nearly the entire structure. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as hundreds of people gathered outside, many of whom were store owners devastated by the loss of their businesses.
Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon, confirmed that six bodies were transported to Karachi’s Civil Hospital. The situation prompted law enforcement to implement mass disaster protocols due to the scale of the incident and the fears that the building could collapse entirely.
Images circulated by local media displayed the mall’s charred interiors, with flames continuing to blaze and a bright orange glow illuminating the night sky. Reports indicated that parts of the building had begun to crumble, raising concerns about the safety of both responders and bystanders.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly through the night to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the public. The scale of the tragedy has left the local community in shock, as many are still grappling with the loss of life and livelihoods.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, officials are expected to provide further updates on both the casualties and the condition of the injured. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards present in crowded commercial spaces, and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to protect both businesses and consumers.
