At Least Six Dead and More Than 20 Injured After Fire Rips Through Shopping Centre in Karachi
A devastating fire tore through the Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, late Saturday night, killing at least six people and injuring more than 20 others, officials said on Sunday.
The blaze, which began on the ground floor of the multistory mall in the city’s Saddar area, spread rapidly through the building’s densely packed shops, many stocked with highly flammable goods such as clothing, cosmetics, and electrical items.
Rescue teams worked through the night in extremely challenging conditions, battling thick smoke and intense heat as parts of the structure collapsed, hampering efforts to locate those still trapped inside. More than 20 fire tenders and rescue units were deployed to contain the blaze.
Among the dead was a firefighter who lost his life during the operation, highlighting the danger faced by emergency personnel. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which officials say may have started due to a short circuit before spreading throughout the building. Residents and business owners in the area expressed shock and grief at the scale of the tragedy, as emergency services continue search and rescue efforts.
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