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UPDATE AT 10:00 AM – A devastating fire at the Gul Plaza shopping center in Karachi, Pakistan, has resulted in at least 23 fatalities, including a firefighter. The incident, which ranks among the worst fires in over a decade, occurred Saturday night while the mall was crowded with shoppers. The fire spread swiftly, trapping many individuals inside the complex, which houses over 1,200 stores.
As rescue efforts progress, authorities report that more than 60 individuals remain unaccounted for. Emergency responders are working urgently to sift through debris and assess the damage from this tragic event that has shocked the local community.
The facts
The Gul Plaza is located in Karachi’s bustling Saddar area along MA Jinnah Road. It is popular for its diverse shops, which offer products ranging from jewelry to household goods. The shopping center was particularly busy on the night of the fire due to the ongoing wedding season, contributing to the tragic loss of life.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit. Sindh Police Inspector General Javed Alam Odho mentioned that a malfunctioning circuit breaker could have ignited the flames, but further investigation is needed to confirm this.
Challenges faced during rescue operations
Rescue operations have faced significant challenges, primarily due to the compromised structural integrity of the building. City officials confirmed that parts of the structure had collapsed, complicating efforts to locate and rescue those trapped inside. Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that the search for missing individuals is ongoing, as emergency personnel navigate a hazardous environment.
Hassan ul-Haseeb, a representative of the provincial rescue service, highlighted that access to the site was severely restricted. Narrow roads and crowds of onlookers obstructed the path for water tankers and rescue vehicles, delaying their response. Additionally, the presence of combustible materials, particularly large quantities of plastic within the mall, exacerbated the fire’s intensity, making it more difficult to control.
The broader implications for Karachi’s fire safety
The tragedy at Gul Plaza is not an isolated event; it reflects a pattern of inadequate fire safety measures in Karachi. This incident echoes the infamous Baldia factory fire of 2012, which resulted in over 250 deaths. Currently, it is estimated that 70% of buildings in Karachi lack sufficient fire protection systems.
Urban planners indicate that Karachi has only 35 fire stations, which is grossly inadequate for a city with a population nearing 25 million. Furthermore, the city possesses only 57 fire trucks, of which just six are ladder trucks, highlighting the urgent need for improved firefighting capabilities.
Calls for accountability and reform
The aftermath of the Gul Plaza fire has sparked public outrage, with citizens demanding accountability from local authorities and a comprehensive investigation into the event. Families are mourning the loss of loved ones while expressing frustration over the absence of effective safety protocols that could have prevented this tragedy.
Urban researcher Namra Khalid emphasized the necessity for a thorough inquiry into the structural and systemic failures that allowed the fire to escalate. She stressed that while fires can occur anywhere, understanding the shortcomings in existing regulations and oversight mechanisms is vital to preventing future incidents.
As rescue efforts progress, authorities report that more than 60 individuals remain unaccounted for. Emergency responders are working urgently to sift through debris and assess the damage from this tragic event that has shocked the local community.0