Pakistan Shopping Complex Fire Kills 6, Leaves 38 Missing

The South DIG Police stated that 38 people are still missing, with authorities compiling information to track their whereabouts.

ARY News reported on Sunday that at least six people have died and 38 others are missing after a massive fire broke out at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall. The fire caused the rear part of the complex to collapse.

It further mentioned that 60-70 percent of the fire has been brought under control, but search and rescue operations are underway as people are feared trapped in the building.

A fire broke out in shops inside Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road at around 10 pm on Saturday.

ARY News reported that a firefighter also lost his life during the rescue operation.

Citing the South DIG police, the report said that 38 persons are currently missing, with authorities collecting detailed information to trace them.

It was further confirmed that six bodies have been recovered and handed over to the families, while 22 injured people are undergoing treatment.

President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, while talking to the media, said that an estimated 80 to 100 people could still be inside the building.

Questioning the officials, he lamented what the government was doing as one of Karachi’s major tax-paying markets was reduced to rubble. He further claimed that the traders themselves had saved 200 to 250 people.

He further stated that fire brigade teams were repeatedly running out of water and diesel, and they were receiving numerous calls for help from people trapped inside the market.

According to ARY News, rescue officials said that some people fell ill due to smoke inhalation, while others were injured in the ensuing panic and stampede.

It was reported that fire officials have warned that the fire is spreading and, due to its intensity, cannot be brought under control immediately.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offered condolences to the families of the victims, and directed authorities to provide immediate assistance and ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief over the loss of lives and property.

He directed the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi to utilize all available resources for rescue and firefighting operations and to conduct a transparent inquiry, The Express Tribune reported.