A devastating fire swept through a shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and causing numerous injuries. Shocking visuals captured flames engulfing the Gulo Plaza shopping center as firefighters battled the inferno overnight. A large crowd gathered outside the multi-story building, which had been evacuated, witnessing the intense rescue efforts.
According to rescue spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan, the fire originated in ground-floor shops before rapidly spreading upwards, trapping occupants within the high-rise structure. Authorities implemented a “mass disaster protocol” to manage the emergency situation. Khan reported, “Upon our arrival, the fire had already spread from the ground floor to the upper levels, engulfing the entire building. Despite the critical nature of the situation, six fire engines are diligently working to contain the blaze.”
Tragically, the death toll and number of injuries escalated as rescue teams discovered individuals within the burning structure. Police medic Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that six bodies had been transported to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, with 11 injured individuals receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
Firefighters and rescue personnel rushed to the scene shortly after reports of the fire surfaced around 10 pm local time. Footage aired on television depicted firefighters in protective gear battling the flames with the aid of fire engines equipped with ladders, water cannons, and hoses. Thick black smoke billowed into the night sky, visible from a considerable distance.
A statement from the Sindh Rangers revealed that a team had been dispatched to support firefighting efforts and assist in evacuating individuals trapped within the building. The cause of the fire remained unknown, prompting authorities to announce an investigation post-extinguishment. Lack of adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems in many structures in Karachi and across the country often leads to significant damage and loss of life in such incidents.
The blaze spread rapidly in the mall section where shopkeepers stored imported garments, clothing, and plastic household items, intensifying the fire. Karachi, located in the southern Sindh province, frequently experiences such tragedies. In a similar incident in November 2023, a fire at a shopping mall in the city claimed 10 lives and left 22 others injured.