KARACHI – The deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall has shocked the city. Eyewitnesses revealed how darkness, thick smoke, and locked doors transformed a normal evening into a tragic disaster.
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Locked Doors and Rapidly Spreading Fire
Shopkeepers reported that Gul Plaza has a total of 26 entrances and exits. However, management locks all gates by 10 p.m., keeping only two doors open for people to enter or exit.
On the night of the fire, 24 of the 26 doors remained locked, leaving shoppers and staff trapped inside. One shopkeeper said, There were no emergency exits. Consequently, the fire spread extremely quickly, and smoke filled the entire market.
As a result, panic erupted as people struggled to find a way out. Many could not navigate the smoke-filled corridors and became disoriented.
Chaos, Darkness, and Smoke
Shopkeepers explained that the electricity went out during the fire, plunging the building into darkness. Meanwhile, thick smoke reduced visibility and caused severe breathing difficulties.
People ran in every direction, and some collapsed unconscious, a witness recalled. Additionally, the smoke made it nearly impossible to breathe.
Workers and customers were inside shops at the time, which increased the number of affected people. Several shopkeepers acted quickly and guided trapped individuals toward safety.
Rescue Efforts in Progress
Authorities confirmed that the fire broke out at Gul Plaza, located on M.A. Jinnah Road, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial areas. Rescue teams immediately arrived to extinguish flames, remove debris, and search for missing individuals.
So far, officials have confirmed 26 deaths, while 76 people remain missing. Moreover, rescue teams continue to comb through the rubble, and authorities warn that the casualty count may rise.
Safety Lapses and Regulatory Concerns
This tragedy highlights severe safety gaps in Karachi’s commercial buildings. Experts warn that blocked exits, inadequate evacuation plans, and insufficient fire safety equipment can quickly turn small incidents deadly.
Additionally, city authorities have faced criticism for lax enforcement of fire safety regulations. Gul Plaza reportedly failed to meet modern safety standards. Therefore, safety advocates are calling for urgent inspections and stricter compliance.
A Community in Shock
The fire has left Karachi’s residents and business owners in shock. Many shopkeepers lost their livelihoods, while families anxiously await news of missing relatives.
Meanwhile, social media posts from eyewitnesses describe scenes of panic, courage, and heartbreak. Furthermore, many people risked their own lives to help others escape the flames.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area to allow uninterrupted rescue operations. Additionally, counseling services have been arranged to support victims and their families.
Lessons and the Way Forward
The Gul Plaza fire underscores the importance of fire safety regulations, emergency planning, and accessible exits in commercial buildings. Experts emphasize that unless authorities take immediate action, other buildings in Karachi face similar risks.
Finally, as rescue operations continue, the city mourns the lives lost and debates stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Citizens demand immediate enforcement of safety standards to avoid repeating this disaster.
