KARACHI: At least five people were killed after a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza mall on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road late Saturday night, officials said.
The fire, which is still raging, has continued for more than 10 hours, with part of the building collapsing Sunday morning due to intense heat, according to rescue officials.
The fire chief said about 60% of the fire at Gul Plaza has been brought under control, but firefighters are still unable to enter the building due to extreme heat.
He added that the intense temperature inside the structure prevents internal access, hampering rescue and search efforts.
The officer further said that the site is sealed from all sides and lacks any proper ventilation system, complicating fire-fighting operations.
speaks to Pakinomist newsDistrict South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso said that the fire has broken out again at the back of the building’s first floor.
“There is fear that people are on the first floor and mezzanine,” Khoso said, adding that rescue teams have not been able to reach those floors.
Noting that there is no way to leave in case of an emergency, the DC said investigation is on to find out why no emergency exit was made in the building.
“We will check the map and other things with the relevant institutions.”
“It was aimed at securing fire extinguishers [in building]but they were not present in the building,” the official added.
People still trapped
Meanwhile, Sindh Emergency Service Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh that 20 firefighters and four snorkelers are participating in firefighting operations from three sides of Gul Plaza.
Noting that all available technical equipment is being used to extinguish the fire as soon as possible, the rescue officer added that materials stored inside the site are making it difficult for rescue teams to control the fire.
The fire brigade feared that several people were still trapped inside the shopping centre.
“We cannot say at this time how many people are still trapped inside the building,” the official added.
Shaikh added that part of the back of the building has collapsed, increasing the risk to both trapped people and rescue workers.
The presence of air conditioning in the building creates additional challenges for firefighters, he said.
The fire spread quickly inside the old building due to certain flammable materials stored there, he said, confirming that a pillar of the building collapsed due to the intense heat, raising fears that more parts of the structure could collapse.
Separately, revealing details of evacuation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza has said that 25 people have been evacuated from the building so far.
Returning flame
Earlier, authorities had said hours of firefighting efforts had stopped the blaze from spreading further, but it had nevertheless reached the third floor before being contained.
Shortly after the fire department said the fire had been contained, fire broke out again with long flames coming from the first floor.
Video footage showed flames engulfing several shops as firefighters worked to put them out.
The fire chief said people trapped inside the mall were evacuated using snorkels.
The firefighting operation was temporarily paused in the early hours of Sunday before resuming 15 minutes later.
A powerful explosion took place inside the premises, after which the fire broke out further, says the fire chief, who adds that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
According to the spokesman, Sindh Rangers personnel are also participating in the rescue operation along with other emergency services.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The government’s response
Commenting on the incident, Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said that all available resources are being made available for the rescue operation.
The government is doing everything to put out the fire as soon as possible, the spokesman added.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who later arrived at the site to inspect the relief and rescue operation, has directed a report on the incident and expressed concern over the fire.
He has asked the relevant authorities to increase rescue and relief operations.
Speaking to Pakinomist News, Governor Tessori said more than 100 people are reported to be trapped inside the burning building that houses about 1,200 shops.
“Our priority is to save the lives of those trapped in the building,” he said.
He described the fire as “unusual” and said it had engulfed the building from all four sides.
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed grief over the loss of life and damage to property in the fire.
The PPP chief condoled with the families of those who died in the fire.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has called for the establishment of alternative traffic routes to ensure safe passage for residents.
He has also asked the SSP City to investigate the cause of the fire and directed officials to prevent the flames from spreading further.
The minister emphasized the need to keep access roads clear for fire service vehicles and emergency personnel.
Hours after the fire broke out, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed his grief over the loss of life in the tragedy.
“We stand with the families of those who died in this difficult time,” Wahab said.
Traders’ concerns
Meanwhile, traders have expressed concern over the rescue efforts and Gul Plaza Traders’ Association chairman Tanveer Pasta told Pakinomist News that nearly 80 to 100 people are believed to be trapped inside the building following the deadly fire.
All customers left the building, but staff and shopkeepers were believed to still be inside, Pasta said, adding that the building houses 1,200 shops and the fire has caused billions of rupees in losses.
Criticizing the response of senior government officials, he said neither the chief minister nor the mayor of Karachi contacted the traders. “Only Governor Sindh has come this far, no one else,” he said.
He claimed that no rescue personnel had yet entered the building and that the fire continues to burn on three sides of the structure.
The fire reportedly started in a shop selling artificial flowers on the ground floor, he added.
