Karachi residents were thrown into a night of terror as a massive fire tore through the bustling Gul Plaza shopping mall on Saturday evening.
Flames erupted shortly after 10pm local time, trapping shoppers and workers inside and leaving at least six people dead, including a brave firefighter.
Videos shared on social media captured the intensity of the blaze, with fire leaping from windows and balconies while thick black smoke clouded the night sky.
Crowds gathered nearby, helplessly watching as the inferno consumed the multi-storey building in the city’s crowded business district.
Emergency Services Rush In
Rescue teams from across Karachi responded immediately.
“When we arrived, the fire had spread from the ground floor to the upper floors, and almost the entire building was engulfed,” said Hassanul Haseeb Khan of Rescue 1122.
Police and medical personnel confirmed six fatalities at Karachi’s Civil Hospital, with 11 others injured. Authorities invoked mass disaster protocols as they worked to manage the unfolding tragedy.
Families Struggle to Find Loved Ones
Among the chaos, families of mall visitors were left frantic.
Residents Mansoor and Jameel reported that six family members who had gone shopping at Gul Plaza were unreachable after around 10:10pm.
Those missing included three women, two men, and a 14-year-old girl.
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad assured the public that search operations would continue once the fire was fully extinguished and the building cooled.
A Hero Lost in the Fire
Tragically, firefighter Furqan Shoukat lost his life while battling the flames.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab paid tribute, saying, “We stand with the family of martyred Furqan, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation will provide full support to its martyred employees.”
Such incidents are made worse by the lack of proper fire prevention and safety systems in Karachi’s buildings, a problem that has led to repeated casualties in past fires.
Firefighters Struggle Against the Inferno
TV footage showed firefighters in full protective gear working tirelessly with ladders, hoses, and water cannons.
Flames continued to shoot out of windows, and thick smoke was visible from several blocks away.
Inside, shops storing imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods helped fuel the blaze, causing rapid fire spread.
Parts of the building reportedly began collapsing, raising fears that the structure could give way entirely, making rescue efforts even more dangerous.
A City Too Familiar with Tragedy
Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has experienced similar devastating fires in recent years.
Just last November, another mall fire killed 10 people and injured more than 20, highlighting the ongoing need for stronger fire safety measures in the city.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, promising a thorough inquiry once the building is secured.
In the meantime, the city mourns both the victims and the firefighter who gave his life in service to others.
