Rear Section Collapses, Firefighter Among the Dead
Fire brigade officials have issued a preliminary report on the massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, revealing severe structural damage and multiple casualties. According to the report, the rear portion of the commercial building has completely collapsed, highlighting the scale of destruction caused by the blaze.
The collapse claimed the life of firefighter Furqan, who was actively engaged in rescue and firefighting operations. In addition, another firefighter from the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade sustained injuries after being struck by falling debris during the operation.
Authorities have so far confirmed six deaths and 17 injuries linked to the incident. Rescue teams remain on high alert as the weakened structure continues to pose serious risks to both emergency responders and nearby buildings.
Fire officials stated that nearly 60 per cent of the fire has been brought under control. However, flames continue to erupt intermittently due to combustible materials trapped inside the structure.
Firefighting Efforts Continue Amid High Risk
Firefighters are currently battling the blaze from three sides of the building. Officials confirmed that there is no shortage of water, and multiple fire tenders remain stationed at the site.
Despite these efforts, complete extinguishment has proven difficult. Fire brigade officials warned that the building’s structural integrity is severely compromised. They added that the front portion of Gul Plaza could collapse at any moment, making interior access extremely dangerous.
Emergency teams are operating cautiously to avoid further casualties. Heavy smoke, intense heat, and falling debris continue to slow progress. The report emphasized that the ongoing risk of collapse remains the biggest obstacle to controlling the fire.
Authorities said the safety of rescue workers remains a top priority as operations continue under challenging conditions.
Poor Infrastructure and Safety Violations Exposed
Earlier, Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed highlighted serious infrastructure failures at Gul Plaza. She said the fire brigade faced extreme difficulty due to the absence of basic safety features in the building.
“There is no proper exit system and no mechanism for air circulation,” she said. As a result, firefighters were unable to enter several sections of the building because of extreme heat and dense smoke.
She also revealed that no fire extinguishing systems were installed in the plaza. This lack of preparedness significantly worsened the situation and allowed the fire to spread rapidly.
Sadia Javed further disclosed major violations of building regulations. She said Gul Plaza was officially approved for 400 shops, but approximately 1,200 shops were constructed. This overcrowding not only violated safety standards but also increased the fire load inside the building.
To manage the emergency, fire tenders from across Karachi were deployed. Vehicles from the Pakistan Navy and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) also joined the rescue and firefighting efforts.
Officials said investigations will continue to determine responsibility for the safety lapses and structural violations. Authorities are expected to take action against those found responsible once the final report is completed.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about building safety and fire preparedness in Karachi’s commercial areas. Experts warn that without strict enforcement of regulations, similar tragedies could occur again.
