KARACHI: The fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi was fully extinguished after 33 hours.
During the search operation that followed, the bodies of 8 more victims were recovered, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 14. Additionally, 22 people were injured in the blaze.
The fire broke out around 10:30 PM on Saturday night at Gol Plaza, located on M.A. Jinnah Road.
It started on the ground floor and rapidly spread upward, reaching as high as the third floor within minutes. The intense fire caused several parts of the building to collapse.
After 33 hours of continuous effort, firefighters finally brought the blaze under complete control. Cooling operations are currently underway.
According to officials, once the fire was fully subdued, rescue teams entered the plaza and conducted a limited search operation inside the burnt shops.
During this search, body parts belonging to three individuals, including one child, were recovered and shifted to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.
Since Saturday night at around 10:30 PM, anxious family members have been standing helplessly outside the burning building, waiting for news of their loved ones.
Police have collected mobile numbers of missing persons from their families, and the location data of more than 20 individuals is still showing inside Gol Plaza.
A rescue operation was launched on suspicion that someone might still be trapped on the third floor, but no one was found.
According to Rescue officials, windows are being cut open with cutters, and walls are being broken down using hammers.
Rescue authorities have stated that the building’s pillars have been severely weakened due to the intense heat of the fire, with multiple cracks now visible.
Given that the structure is extremely old, there is a serious risk of further collapse.
President and Prime Minister contact Sindh Chief Minister, offer full support President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on the phone and inquired about the latest situation at the Gul Plaza fire incident.
During the conversation, the President instructed the Chief Minister to utilize all available resources for relief and rescue operations.
He also praised the bravery of martyred firefighter Furqan Shaukat and directed that his name be nominated for a civil award.
The President further ordered immediate arrangements for the treatment of the injured and rehabilitation of the affected families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the Gul Plaza tragedy and offered every possible assistance from the federal government.
He stated that the federal government stands with the affected people and the Sindh government in this hour of grief and difficulty.
