Six Dead, Dozens Missing in Karachi Mall Fire as Search Continues

BREAKING: A devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has left six dead, including a firefighter, and dozens missing after a nearly 24-hour battle to extinguish the flames. The blaze erupted late Saturday and rapidly spread through the multistory shopping mall, which houses approximately 1,200 shops selling cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods.

Firefighters finally brought the fire under control on Sunday, but the search for the missing is now underway, confirmed Murad Ali Shah, the chief minister of Sindh. Rescuers have recovered five bodies from the building and its basement, and efforts continue to locate those unaccounted for as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.

The inferno not only claimed lives but also caused parts of the structure to collapse, posing additional risks to rescue operations. Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, the city’s chief rescue officer, reported that the fire’s cause remains unknown and an investigation will follow.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences over the tragic loss of life and instructed authorities to deploy all available resources to prevent further casualties. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding fire safety in Karachi, a city that has seen numerous fatal fires attributed to poor safety standards and illegal construction practices.

Television footage captured harrowing scenes of firefighters in protective gear battling thick smoke billowing from the damaged building. As rescue operations continue, the urgency to find the missing remains paramount, with families searching desperately for information.

In a similar incident, a fire in Karachi’s shopping district in November 2023 resulted in 10 deaths and 22 injuries, raising alarms about the city’s fire safety regulations.

As the situation develops, updates will be provided on the ongoing search and investigation. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any missing persons as the search efforts intensify.