Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: Death toll rises to 26 with 75 people still missing
Authorities warn building remains unstable; families demand accountability and compensation
KARACHI: (News Pulse) The death toll from the massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping Centre rose to 26 on Monday as rescue teams resumed search operations following the completion of cooling measures. The fatalities include a firefighter, while dozens of people remain missing.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan confirmed that two more bodies were recovered, bringing the total deaths to 26. Smoke was still seen rising from the third floor, where a fresh fire had broken out earlier before being controlled.
Severe Damage Reported
Authorities said the Jubilee area of the shopping Centre suffered extensive damage, with the front elevation of the building collapsing. The main focus of search operations remains the basement and ground floor, but heavy debris is making access extremely difficult. Plans are underway to extend the search to the second and third floors.
Sadiq Tunio of the Karachi Water Board’s Hydrant Cell said approximately 1.4 million gallons of water were used to fight the blaze, sourced from seven hydrants across the city.
Firefighters managed to control the fire after roughly 36 hours, but officials warned that the structure remains highly unstable and could collapse at any time. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed stated, “The structure is badly damaged and unsafe. Firefighting has stopped; only debris removal is ongoing.”
Casualties and Missing Persons
Rescue teams have recovered body parts of five more people, including a child, since Sunday night. Around 54 to 59 people are still unaccounted for. Authorities are using mobile phone data to trace missing persons, while police have set up a helpline for families.
Among the confirmed deceased are Kashif, 40; Faraz, 55; Mohammad Aamir, 30; and Furqan, 25. Several others remain unidentified.
Approximately 30 people suffered injuries from smoke inhalation or burns, including two firefighters. Injured individuals were treated at PNS Shifa, burns centres, trauma centres, and Jinnah Hospital.
Government Response
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the site, pledging maximum relief for victims and compensation for traders. He confirmed that the first fire tender reached the plaza at 10:27 pm on Saturday, with 26 fire tenders, four snorkels, and 10 water bowsers participating in firefighting operations.
“This building housed more than 1,000 shops,” said CM Shah. “The exact cause is still under investigation, though initial reports suggest a short circuit in a shop containing flammable materials.”
The provincial government announced Rs10 million compensation for the families of each victim and plans to rebuild the damaged structure. CM Shah also stated that affected traders would be provided temporary or alternative spaces to resume business.
A forensic investigation will be conducted once the building is deemed safe, and a committee led by the Karachi commissioner will probe the incident to identify failures and improve fire safety standards.
Calls for Judicial Inquiry
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has demanded a judicial commission to investigate the fire and determine accountability. KCCI President Rehan Hanif questioned the adequacy of fire safety measures, emergency exits, and firefighting resources in Gul Plaza.
Political and Legal Actions
In the Sindh Assembly, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Muhammad Farooq submitted an adjournment motion, criticizing the city’s corrupt and poorly maintained infrastructure and demanding accountability.
Meanwhile, Advocate Saleem Michael filed a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court, holding multiple government departments responsible and seeking compensation for victims and their families.
Continuing Rescue Operations
Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue cautiously. Firefighters, police, and rescue teams remain on site clearing debris amid fears that more people could still be trapped inside.