Sabahat Sarwar
Karachi: A massive fire that erupted at Gul Plaza in Karachi’s busy Saddar area has claimed at least six lives, including a firefighter who was martyred in the line of duty, while dozens are still feared trapped. Firefighting and rescue operations continued.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the site to review the ongoing operation and termed the incident deeply tragic. He said the fire was reported after 10:00 pm and the first fire tender reached the scene at 10:27 pm. A large-scale operation involving 26 fire tenders, four snorkels, and 10 water bowsers.
Rescue officials said Narrow access points and the building’s layout hampered rescue efforts. Following a technical assessment, the building was declared structurally unsafe due to partial collapses caused by intense heat.
Nearly 60 to 70 percent of the fire has been brought under control, but operations continue cautiously. The chief minister confirmed that 22 injured were treated at Civil Hospital Karachi while 58 to 60 people are still reported missing.
Authorities have set up an information desk for affected families. The chief minister urged restraint on speculation, saying the cause would be determined after a detailed investigation, though preliminary reports suggest a possible short circuit.
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