In a heartbreaking blow to Karachi’s economy, the famed Gul Plaza mall became a towering inferno Saturday night, resulting in 15 confirmed deaths and over 70 individuals missing. Firefighters battled the blaze for over 24 grueling hours in the heart of Pakistan’s financial nerve center.
Merchants voiced outrage over what they deem criminal negligence by local authorities. The nearby Sadar Fire Station’s sluggish response allowed the fire to consume multiple floors. ‘Full resources could have stopped this at the start,’ a distraught shopkeeper told reporters, describing chaotic scenes of trapped shoppers.
Water scarcity and rundown roads exacerbated the crisis. M.A. Jinnah Road’s pothole-riddled surface prevented tankers from accessing the site efficiently, a point hammered by irate residents criticizing the mayor and Sindh government.
As per rescue updates, control has been achieved at 95%, shifting focus to cooling and search efforts. The cause remains unknown officially, though short-circuiting is suspected. Thick smoke initially masked the fire’s ferocity, delaying evacuations.
This disaster not only razed a commercial hub but exposed deep-seated issues in emergency preparedness. Calls for a thorough investigation grow louder, with traders vowing protests until those responsible are held accountable. Karachi must now rebuild, learning harsh lessons from flames that spared no mercy.