A devastating fire has swept through a shopping center, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and causing numerous injuries.
The distressing scene unfolded at Gulo Plaza shopping Centre in Karachi, Pakistan, as flames engulfed the building, prompting a prolonged firefighting effort. Crowds of onlookers, including evacuees from the complex, gathered outside as firefighters battled the blaze.
According to rescue spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan, the fire originated in the ground-floor shops before rapidly spreading upwards, trapping occupants within the multi-story structure. Police implemented a “mass disaster protocol” in response to the emergency.
Khan stated, “Upon our arrival, the fire had already ascended to the upper levels, engulfing almost the entire building in flames. The situation remains critical, but six firefighting units are diligently working to contain the inferno.”
Tragically, the death toll and injury count rose as rescuers discovered victims amidst the fire. Police medic Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed that six bodies were recovered and taken to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, with 11 injured individuals receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
Firefighters and rescue teams swiftly responded to the incident at Gul Plaza after reports of the fire emerged around 10 pm local time. Local media reported that the fire broke out as most shop owners were closing their establishments, leading to a rapid spread of the flames.
Television footage depicted firefighters clad in protective gear battling the fire with water cannons and hoses. Thick smoke billowed from the building, visible from afar, as emergency personnel worked to contain the blaze.
A spokesperson for the Sindh Rangers stated that their team had joined the firefighting efforts to assist in evacuating trapped individuals from the premises. The Rangers affirmed their commitment to supporting the ongoing rescue operations until the situation is resolved.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with authorities planning to launch an investigation post-extinguishment. The incident underscores the lack of adequate fire prevention measures in many structures across Karachi and Pakistan, leading to frequent occurrences of fire-related disasters.
Initial reports suggest that the fire spread swiftly due to the presence of imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods stored in the affected area of the mall, intensifying the flames. Such incidents are not uncommon in Karachi, as seen in a previous mall fire in November 2023 that resulted in casualties.
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