Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: 14 Dead, Dozens Still Missing After 36-Hour Inferno

A massive fire that ripped through the Gul Plaza shopping centre on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has killed at least 14 people, injured dozens and left many still missing after rescue teams fought the flames for more than 36 hours, according to officials and media reports.

The fire broke out late Saturday night in the multi-storey building and spread quickly, feeding on highly flammable goods stored inside. The plaza housed more than 1,000 shops selling household items, textiles and other materials that helped the fire grow fast and fierce. Thick smoke, extreme heat and the danger of collapse forced firefighters to pull back several times during operations.

By Monday, authorities said the main fire had been brought under control and cooling work was under way. However, officials warned that the building is no longer safe. “The structure is badly damaged and unsafe,” Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed said, adding that teams have now moved from firefighting to debris removal and recovery work.

Rising Toll and Search Efforts  

Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of at least 14 victims, including a child and a firefighter. Many people are still missing. Police and rescue officials are using helplines and mobile phone data to help families locate their loved ones. Initial estimates suggest between 50 and 60 people may still be unaccounted for.

Around 30 injured people were shifted to different hospitals for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation. Several were later discharged after first aid. Two firefighters, Irshad and Bilal, remain under treatment at PNS Shifa hospital.

Chaos, Loss, and Community Impact  

According to Dawn, families of missing persons gathered outside the burned building for hours, waiting for any news. Some clutched voice notes and final messages sent by relatives trapped inside as smoke filled the plaza and parts of the structure collapsed.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the site and called the incident “very upsetting.” He announced relief and compensation for affected shopkeepers, many of whom lost their entire stock and life savings in the blaze.

Authorities said a formal investigation into the cause of the fire will begin once the site is fully secured. Early findings suggest it may have started due to a short circuit in a shop storing flammable material.

The burned-out plaza now stands as a grim reminder of weak fire safety measures in busy commercial areas, as families continue to wait for answers and news of the missing.

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