Gul Plaza Fire Leaves Karachi Families Counting Hours, Clinging to ‘Final Messages’
Outside Karachi Gul Plaza mall on Sunday, a grim scene unfolded as families gathered, their hopes dwindling with each rising plume of smoke. The inferno that engulfed the popular shopping center the night before had turned a bustling hub of commerce into a scene of agonizing uncertainty.
Tears flowed freely as relatives scanned the smoke-filled sky, their eyes fixed on the building. Many clutched their mobile phones, desperately seeking news or any sign of their loved ones trapped within. “Just bring him out, please. I have a three-year-old child,” pleaded one woman, her gaze fixed on the upper floors.
The Scale of the Gul Plaza Fire
By Sunday evening, authorities confirmed the tragic loss of six lives, including a firefighter. Over fifty people were reported missing. South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso informed DawnNewsTV that at least 22 individuals, including emergency personnel, sustained injuries. He stated the blaze was approximately 70% under control.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who visited the site, acknowledged the severity of the situation. The mall, a multi-story structure with a basement housing over 1,000 shops, was largely a destination for middle-class shoppers seeking wholesale rates on household items. This popular market, particularly for wedding preparations, now stands testament to a devastating incident. SindhNews.com reported that an investigation into the cause is underway, with a short circuit suspected.
‘Final Messages’ Emerge as Hope Fades
As the hours wore on, harrowing accounts of desperate escape attempts and chilling final messages began to surface. Shopkeepers, trapped by the intense heat and smoke, sent poignant goodbyes to their families. One shopkeeper’s message read, “This is my last message, forgive me if I ever committed any mistake.”
Survivors described scenes of chaos and suffocating smoke. Hamza Ali, who managed to escape through a washroom, spoke of the lack of proper air passage. “I am still unaware of the whereabouts of my colleagues and the shop owner, as they are still stuck inside,” he stated, his eyes visibly swollen from smoke inhalation. This incident highlighted the critical need for adequate fire safety measures and marked a dark day for Karachi. For many, the wait for news became an agonizing vigil.
Courage Amidst Despair
Amidst the overwhelming grief, stories of immense bravery emerged. One survivor recounted how a young boy from his town rescued five children before re-entering the burning building, tragically not returning. He was hailed as a hero who embraced death while saving others.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning
The Gul Plaza fire has left a deep scar on Karachi, highlighting the vulnerability of its citizens and the urgent need for improved safety protocols in commercial buildings. The enduring image is one of families clinging to any scrap of hope, their lives irrevocably altered while waiting for answers that may never fully arrive.