Firefighters are still battling to control the massive third-degree blaze that broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road on Saturday night. Despite efforts, the fire remains uncontrollable even after 15 hours.

According to media reports, the death toll in the fire has now climbed to six, while at least 20 people were injured, some in critical condition.

The fire has caused significant damage, with two sections of the building collapsing.

The structure houses over 1,000 shops, with the ground and mezzanine floors destroyed by the flames.

The fire has also spread to the upper two floors, intensifying the situation.

Due to the severe fire, the building has become structurally unstable, with weakened pillars increasing the risk of a complete collapse.

Fire brigade officials said all fire tenders from across the city are engaged in extinguishing the blaze.

In addition, the Pakistan Navy’s snorkels and two fire tenders have joined the rescue and firefighting operations.

According to fire brigade officials, 20 fire tenders, 4 snorkels, and a water bowser were being used to control the fire.

According to rescue officials, the body of one person has been recovered from the debris, and it is being reported that the individual was a firefighter.

Earlier, one part of the building’s pillar had collapsed, while all the shops on the ground floor had been destroyed.

The KMC’s chief fire officer stated that the fire broke out around 10.15pm on Saturday and was soon categorised as a third-degree fire.

Rescue officials have reported that many individuals are believed to be trapped inside the shopping plaza.

The fire broke out at mezzanine floor and soon spread to the ground and first floors, engulfing several shops.

Gul Plaza, which consists of the ground, mezzanine and two additional floors, is one of the largest shopping centres in the area, with around 1200 shops.

Senior Fire Officer Arif Mansoori mentioned that firefighters have been unable to enter the building due to intense heat, which has made rescue efforts difficult.

The identities of four of the deceased have been confirmed as Faraz, Kashif, Aamir, and Shahroz.

The chief fire officer said that the fire spread to other floors rapidly after a powerful explosion inside the building. Authorities attribute the explosion to a gas leak.

During the rescue operation, two individuals were injured when the fire brigade’s ladders collapsed.

Traffic disruptions

Due to the fire, several roads in the vicinity, including M.A. Jinnah Road, Garden Chowk, and Anklesaria Chowk, have been closed.

Traffic has been diverted from Tibet Chowk towards Jubilee and from Anklesaria Chowk to Garden Chowk.

Sindh’s Interior Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjhar, has called for the opening of alternate traffic routes to ensure the safety of citizens and ordered an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire.

He also instructed that firefighting vehicles and personnel be given clear access to the site.

A Sindh Rangers spokesperson said that their teams have reached the scene and are participating in rescue operations.

Rescue and relief operations

Tariq Qasim, the president of the Gul Plaza Traders’ Association, claimed that approximately 80 to 100 people are still believed to be trapped inside the building.

However, he clarified that all customers have been evacuated.

He claimed that the fire started at a shop selling artificial flowers, which quickly spread throughout the building.

Qasim estimated that the fire had caused billions of rupees in losses.

Karachi Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and assured that relief efforts were ongoing.

He emphasised that immediate assistance would be provided to the victims to prevent further casualties.