Tragedy in Karachi: Fire Claims Six Lives, Devastates Numerous Shops
A devastating fire erupted at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, claiming the lives of six individuals and leaving numerous shops reduced to ashes. The blaze, which began Saturday night, tragically escalated, with three additional fatalities confirmed Sunday, including a brave firefighter. Twenty-six others sustained injuries, and a concerning 59 people remain missing amidst ongoing search operations.
Authorities are meticulously working to determine the precise cause of the fire. While an initial assessment pointed towards a possible electrical short-circuit, investigations are ongoing. The inferno spread with alarming speed, fueled by combustible materials reportedly stored within the approximately 1,200 shops housed in the three-story structure. This vast complex spans 8,000 square yards. SindhNews.com reports on the unfolding rescue efforts.
Search Operation Intensifies Amidst Loss and Uncertainty
As rescue teams tirelessly combed through the debris, the grim reality of the situation set in for hundreds of onlookers, including distraught shop owners who witnessed their livelihoods vanish into smoke. The firefighting operation itself saw parts of the building tragically collapse, a testament to the fire’s ferocity. According to SindhNews.com, traders’ associations estimate financial losses to be as high as Rs25 billion, highlighting the significant economic impact. They also stated that an estimated 5,000 individuals were employed within the affected shops.
The severity of the incident prompted Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to order a thorough inquiry. The goal is to pinpoint the fire’s origin and assign responsibility. Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon at Civil Hospital Karachi, confirmed that six men, all in their 20s and 30s, were brought in deceased. Post-mortem examinations revealed inhalation injuries and burns as the cause of death.
Aftermath and Official Response to the Gul Plaza Fire
Twenty-six men aged between 18 and 45 received treatment, with 11 suffering from burns. Fortunately, all were discharged after receiving first aid, with no critical injuries reported, according to Dr. Syed. The hospitals activated “mass disaster protocols” upon receiving details of the missing, which included reports of women and children among them, raising concerns that the death toll could regrettably climb.
The initial distress call was received by Rescue 1122 at approximately 1:38 AM on Sunday. Rescuers were alerted to a fire originating in a shop selling artificial flowers on the ground floor, which rapidly ascended to the basement and upper levels. The building’s diverse inventory included clothing, plastics, suitcases, and perfume ingredients, with the top floor serving as a rooftop and parking area.
Community and National Grief Over the Gul Plaza Fire
Joint efforts by Rescue 1122, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation fire brigade, the Pakistan Navy, and the Karachi Port Trust successfully rescued around 50 individuals. Another 20 were saved injured, though tragically, three later succumbed to their injuries. Firefighter Furqan Ali, 25, lost his life when a section of the building collapsed during the operation. Officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority noted the building’s construction in the 1990s, with an additional floor added in 2003.
South DIG Syed Asad Raza stated that police have identified 59 missing persons, with initial investigations focusing on seven based on their last known phone locations within the plaza. Sindh Chief Minister Shah, Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, and other senior officials visited the site. The All City Tajir Ittehad, representing traders, voiced their immense losses, emphasizing the destruction of livelihoods for thousands.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow, with the Prime Minister directing immediate assistance to those affected and emphasizing the need to strengthen fire safety measures nationwide. SindhNews.com continues to provide updates on this tragic incident.