Fire Engulfs Gul Plaza
Karachi, Pakistan – Rescue teams continued operations on Monday at Gul Plaza, a commercial building severely damaged by fire over the weekend. The blaze, which swept through multiple floors, prompted emergency crews to evacuate residents and secure the building.
Also Read: Darkness, Smoke, and Locked Doors: How the Gul Plaza Tragedy Unfolded
Following the containment of the fire, authorities began a systematic rescue and search operation inside the building. Workers also started the complex task of removing vehicles and motorcycles that had been parked on the rooftop.
Vehicles Recovered from the Rooftop
During the ongoing operation, seven vehicles were carefully lowered from the roof of Gul Plaza. Out of these, two cars were recovered in good condition and returned to their owners.
A local businessman, Aamir, who owns a shop in the plaza, expressed relief at seeing his vehicles intact. Our cars and motorcycles were parked on the roof. Surprisingly, both of our cars are safe, he told reporters. However, he added that two of his employees remain missing.
Families Demand Swift Action
As rescue operations continue, frustration is growing among relatives of those trapped inside the building. Business leader Jameel Pracha criticized the pace of the operation, claiming it is moving too slowly. The families of missing individuals have been waiting for hours. If the authorities do not find the missing people soon, we may enter the building ourselves between 2 and 3 pm, he warned.
The families are particularly concerned about the potential for structural collapse, which could endanger both trapped individuals and rescue workers.
Challenges in Rescue Efforts
Authorities face several challenges during the operation. The fire caused extensive damage to the building’s internal structure, making access to certain areas risky. Smoke and lingering heat further complicate rescue attempts, slowing the progress of workers.
Some relatives of those trapped have also raised concerns about the cooperation of rescue personnel. Complaints suggest that communication between authorities and families has been insufficient, adding to the stress and urgency of the situation.
Context: Karachi Fire Incidents
Gul Plaza is one of several high-profile fire incidents in Karachi in recent years. The city’s growing commercial zones often face challenges related to building safety and emergency preparedness. According to the Karachi Fire Department, rooftop parking and unauthorized structures can hinder firefighting and rescue operations.
Officials say this incident highlights the need for stricter fire safety regulations, particularly in multi-story commercial buildings. Proper emergency exits, fire alarms, and clear evacuation plans are critical to preventing such disasters in the future.
Current Status
At the time of reporting, rescue operations are ongoing. Authorities continue to remove debris and search for missing individuals. The recovery of vehicles from the roof represents a small success amid the larger, more urgent search for human life.
Families of the missing remain at the scene, hoping for positive news, while city officials urge patience and cooperation. Emergency services have indicated that they will continue operations until all areas of the building have been thoroughly checked.
