Major fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza kills 10, rescue work ongoing

At least 10 people have died after a large fire broke out at Gul Plaza, a busy shopping complex in Karachi, officials said on Monday. 

Rescue teams are still searching the building as dozens of people are feared missing.

Firefighters managed to control the fire late Sunday night, almost 24 hours after it began. 

After the flames were put out, rescue workers recovered four more bodies overnight, bringing the confirmed death toll to 10. 

Local media reports say the number of deaths could rise to 14.

According to Karachi’s chief rescue officer, Dr Abid Jalal Sheikh, the fire started late Saturday and spread rapidly through shops that stored cosmetics, clothing and plastic items.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said around 60 people were reported missing, leading to a large rescue and search operation. 

On Monday, family members of the missing gathered outside the burnt building, many of them crying and waiting for news.

The exact cause of the fire is still unknown. Police said an investigation is underway. 

Karachi has seen several deadly fires in the past, often due to poor safety measures and illegal building structures. 

In November 2023, a shopping mall fire killed 10 people, while a garments factory fire in 2012 claimed 260 lives.