A massive fire tore through Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road, killing at least three people and injuring several others. The blaze erupted on Saturday and quickly engulfed the commercial building, triggering chaos and panic among occupants and nearby traders.
Rescue officials confirmed that the victims died from suffocation after inhaling heavy smoke. Thick fumes filled corridors and stairwells, making escape difficult for many inside. As a result, several people remained trapped while rescue teams rushed to the scene.
The fire spread rapidly across multiple floors of the plaza. Flames intensified as explosions were heard from within the building, alarming residents and shopkeepers in the area. Authorities believe combustible materials inside the plaza contributed to the fire’s intensity.
Fire brigade teams battled the blaze amid dense smoke and limited visibility. Several fire tenders were deployed initially. Later, additional firefighting vehicles arrived to support rescue and containment efforts. Crews worked continuously to control the flames and evacuate trapped individuals.
Rescue teams managed to pull multiple occupants from the building. Six injured people were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Doctors described their condition as stable, although smoke inhalation caused breathing complications.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the incident and issued immediate directives. He instructed the South SSP to ensure swift rescue operations. He also ordered authorities to investigate the cause of the fire without delay.
The minister emphasized that all available resources must be used to save those still trapped inside the plaza. Therefore, coordination between rescue services, police, and firefighters remained a top priority throughout the operation.
Due to the emergency, traffic police imposed diversions around MA Jinnah Road. Vehicles from Tibet Chowk were redirected toward Jubilee. Traffic from Uncle Saria Chowk was diverted toward Tanker Chowrangi and Garden Chowk. These measures aimed to keep rescue routes clear.
Authorities advised commuters to use alternative roads to avoid congestion. Citizens were also encouraged to contact the traffic helpline for guidance during the disruption.
Firefighting and rescue operations continued for several hours after the incident. Officials stated that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined. Investigators are expected to examine electrical systems and safety compliance once the site is secured.
The incident has renewed concerns over fire safety standards in Karachi’s commercial buildings. Many structures lack proper emergency exits and fire prevention systems. Consequently, officials may face renewed pressure to enforce safety regulations more strictly.
