A devastating fire ripped through Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road on Friday, killing at least six people, including firefighter Furqan, and leaving more than 20 others injured.
Even after ten hours, firefighters continued to battle the flames, with rescue operations stretching into the next day, according to 24NewsHD.
Rescue officials said more bodies were recovered from the smoke-filled building, raising the death toll as teams searched through the charred structure.
Over 20 fire tenders, three snorkels, and two water bowsers were deployed, while water tankers were brought in to support the operation. Thick smoke continued to rise from the upper floors, and authorities said it was still unclear when the fire would be fully brought under control.
Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed of the Pakistan Navy said the rescue effort was being led by Captain Farhan Sheikh and himself. Five Navy fire tenders and around 70 personnel were actively involved.
He confirmed that more people were believed to be trapped inside. One body was recovered by the Navy team overnight, while other units retrieved four more. Rescue officials fear additional victims may still be inside the building.
The blaze was declared a third-degree fire as flames swept across several floors of the commercial plaza. Fire brigade vehicles were called in from different parts of the city, while Rangers personnel joined the operation. Officials said all shops and warehouses on the ground floor were destroyed.
The intensity of the fire caused deep cracks in the building’s pillars, and a portion of the structure collapsed during the response. Authorities warned that the entire building could collapse at any time due to severe damage.
The deceased have been identified as Kashif, Faraz, Aamir, Wazir, Furqan, and Asif. Among the injured are 22-year-old Hamza, son of Muhammad Ali, 18-year-old Jawad son of Javed, 18-year-old Ayan, 25-year-old Abdullah son of Zaheer, 20-year-old Usman son of Asghar Ali, 47-year-old Fahad son of Hanif, 23-year-old Zain son of Abdullah, Haseeb, Daniyal, Sadiq, and Rahim.
Six women who had come to the plaza for wedding shopping are still missing. Their families say they have had no contact with them since last night.
Following instructions from the Sindh government, South Zone Police set up a helpline to assist the public regarding the incident. Citizens can call 021-99305670, 021-99201196, or 021-99205691 for information and updates. The DIG South assured that full assistance would be provided to those seeking help.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari directed the Sindh chief minister to use all available resources to control the fire.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives and property, he offered condolences to the affected families and called for an immediate investigation to prevent similar tragedies. A Sindh government spokesperson said every possible resource was being used, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also expressed sorrow over the incident.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also conveyed deep grief over the tragedy. In separate statements, they urged that all steps be taken to protect lives and property and that full assistance be extended to injured persons and affected traders.
The prime minister directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for the wounded and stressed the need for all relevant agencies to work together in the rescue effort.