Deadly fire breaks out at Gul plaza Karachi, rescue operation underway

KARACHI: A deadly fire broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi, triggering a large-scale rescue operation, officials said on Wednesday.

According to Fire Brigade authorities, the blaze erupted on the mezzanine/9th floor of the building and rapidly spread, engulfing the entire plaza. At the time of the incident, several people were reportedly present inside, raising fears of more casualties.

Rescue efforts faced serious challenges due to thick smoke, which severely hampered evacuation and firefighting operations. Fire officials said trapped individuals were rescued using ladders, while emergency teams worked to clear the building.

Initially, three KMC fire tenders were dispatched to the site. The operation was later expanded, with eight fire tenders and one snorkel deployed to bring the blaze under control.

Fire Brigade officials confirmed that two people lost their lives, while nine others sustained burn injuries. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

An emergency was declared at NIPA and Safoora hydrants, while the Water Corporation dispatched water tankers to ensure uninterrupted water supply at the scene.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia Lanjar took notice of the incident and directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations and prevent the fire from spreading further. He also ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and instructed officials to secure the building.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah said Rescue 1122 teams reached the site promptly, adding that efforts are ongoing to rescue remaining occupants and extinguish the fire completely.