Post by : Meena
Hassan
A catastrophic fire erupted late Saturday evening at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, resulting in at least six confirmed fatalities and 38 individuals reported as missing. The inferno caused a significant portion of the structure to collapse, worsening the situation and complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency services have reportedly managed to extinguish about 60-70% of the fire, but search operations continue as fears mount that numerous individuals might still be trapped inside. The blaze began around 10 PM and swiftly spread through the mall's various shops.
In a tragic turn, the rescue mission claimed the life of a firefighter, who lost his life in the line of duty while aiding others. So far, six deceased bodies have been retrieved and delivered to their mourning families, with 22 injured individuals presently receiving medical assistance.
Tanveer Qasim, head of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, expressed profound concern for those unaccounted for, estimating that between 80 and 100 people could be trapped. He criticized governmental action, emphasizing the mall's critical role as a key tax contributor to Karachi's economy. Qasim claimed that traders managed to rescue between 200 and 250 individuals during the initial chaos.
Firefighting teams faced serious challenges during the operation, including persistent shortages of water and diesel, which hampered their efforts to control the blaze. Distress calls from those trapped revealed the dire circumstances, with some experiencing smoke inhalation and injuries from the stampede that ensued.
Officials warned that the fire continues to burn intensely and is unlikely to be fully contained soon, posing ongoing dangers to both rescuers and those still inside.
The incident has prompted reactions from Pakistan’s leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their sorrow over the tragic event, extending condolences to the bereaved families and ordering immediate assistance for the injured, ensuring that the best medical care is available.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, also expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and property destruction. He urged the Sindh Chief Minister and Karachi Mayor to mobilize all necessary resources for rescue and firefighting, calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
As rescue operations persist through the night, the city grieves for the victims and holds hope for the safe return of those still unaccounted for in this devastating tragedy.
English
