A significant fire at Gul Plaza, a multi-story wholesale shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, on Saturday evening, has resulted in the confirmed deaths of 67 individuals and left dozens more reported missing. The blaze, which spread rapidly through the building, presented challenges for rescue operations due to structural damage and reports of locked fire exits. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident's cause.
Incident Details
The fire commenced at Gul Plaza, a multi-story wholesale shopping center located in Karachi, Pakistan, on Saturday evening. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene around 10 PM local time. The facility housed approximately 1,200 shops across a basement, mezzanine, and three additional floors, spanning an area reported to be between 6,500 and 8,000 square meters (approximately 70,000 sq ft). It served as a market for various products, including home decor, clothing, toys, electronics, cosmetics, and plastic goods. The fire reportedly began near gate number five or on the ground floor as vendors were concluding business for the day.
Casualties and Search Operations
Initial reports regarding casualties varied, with figures ranging from 3 to 6 fatalities and approximately 12 to over 20 injured persons. Subsequent updates indicated the death toll had risen to between 23 and 27. Police later confirmed that the number of deceased had reached 67 individuals.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, between 46 and 77 individuals are reported as missing by their families. One firefighter is among those confirmed dead. The condition of many recovered bodies requires forensic examination and DNA testing for identification due to severe damage. As of reports, 15 individuals have been identified. Authorities noted counting 67 skulls, with some bodies found as partial remains. Families of the missing have gathered at the site seeking information.
Fire Development and Response
The fire spread rapidly throughout the building, from the ground floor to upper levels, encompassing nearly the entire structure. The rapid spread was reportedly exacerbated by the presence of imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods stored within the mall, which fueled the flames. Thick black smoke was visible from a significant distance.
Firefighters worked for over 24 hours to extinguish the blaze, utilizing ladders, water cannons, and hoses. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the severely damaged and unstable structure of the building, which experienced partial collapses and posed a risk of further collapse.
Challenges and Safety Concerns
Eyewitness accounts and police officials reported that 13 of the 16 exits in the shopping center were locked at the time the fire broke out, hindering evacuation efforts. The dense concentration of shoppers and stalls within the market was also noted as a factor in the incident.
The incident has brought attention to broader concerns regarding fire safety standards in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan. Structures often lack comprehensive fire prevention and firefighting systems, and issues like inadequate safety standards and unauthorized construction have been cited in the context of past fires. Previous significant fire incidents in Karachi include a shopping mall fire in November 2023 that resulted in 10 fatalities and a garment factory fire in 2012 that killed 260 people.
Official and Public Reaction
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation has been initiated by authorities. Sindh provincial Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the government would provide 10 million rupees ($36,000 USD) in compensation to the family of each person killed, including the firefighter.
Public dissatisfaction emerged, with protests calling for accountability for the incident. Concerns were raised regarding the response time of emergency services, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab faced criticism upon his arrival at the scene almost 24 hours after the fire started. Some individuals whose relatives were missing asserted that earlier relief efforts could have saved lives.