Massive fire breaks out in Gul Plaza Mall, 6 including firefighter killed; Rescue continues even after 12 hours, many people trapped-VIDEO

Karachi Gul Plaza shopping mall Jinnah Road fire incident Video: of pakistan karachi Engaged in M.A. At least six people, including a firefighter, died in a massive fire that broke out in Gul Plaza, a multi-storey shopping mall located on Jinnah Road, late Saturday night. More than 12 hours after the fire, there was still fear that many people were trapped, while the rescue operation continued till Sunday.

Sindh K IG Police Javed Alam Odho said that the fire broke out around 10:45 pm on Saturday night, at which time most of the shopkeepers were closing their shops or had already closed. The fire spread so fast that within no time it engulfed the entire mall.

20 people were evacuated safely

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassanul Haseeb Khan said that till now about 20 people have been safely evacuated and taken to the hospital. However, he said that the complex structure of the mall is becoming a major hindrance in the relief work. He said, “The building has basement, mezzanine floor and hundreds of shops. Further rescue can be done only after the cooling process is completed.”

Dozens of fire tenders were used to extinguish the fire

TV footage showed firefighters in protective gear battling flames rising from windows and balconies. The flames and thick black smoke were visible from several blocks away. Dozens of fire tenders, ladders, water cannons and hoses were used to extinguish the fire.

About 40 snorkel machines were deployed to control the fire.

According to officials, the fire spread rapidly from the area where imported clothes, readymade garments and plastic household items were kept, causing the fire to flare up further. About 40 snorkel machines were deployed to control the fire and by Sunday afternoon about 60 percent of the fire was controlled. However, the fire caused serious structural damage to the building.

Rescue officials said that there were cracks in the walls of the mall, while according to a reporter of Dawn News TV, a part of the building had completely collapsed. Poor ventilation and sealed windows filled the interior with smoke, making rescue efforts more difficult, The News International reported.

Fear of many people being trapped

Sindh Labor and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani warned that many people may still be trapped inside the mall. Meanwhile, District South Deputy Commissioner Khoso told Geo News, “There is a possibility of people being trapped on the first and mezzanine floors, but rescue teams are not able to reach there.” IG Aslam said that the initial cause of the fire is believed to be short circuit, although the actual cause will be clear only after the fire is completely extinguished. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an investigation into the incident and asked Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi to submit a detailed report.

Prime Minister and President expressed deep grief over the accident

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have expressed deep condolence over this accident. After this incident, questions have once again been raised on poor fire safety arrangements in Karachi. It is noteworthy that earlier in November 2023 also, 10 people had died in a fire in a mall in Karachi.