Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims 23 Lives at Karachi Shopping Centre
Authorities in Karachi, Pakistan, are grappling with a devastating tragedy following a massive fire at the Gul Plaza shopping centre that has claimed at least 23 lives, with many more individuals still unaccounted for. Efforts to extinguish the blaze lasted nearly 24 hours, leaving a grim aftermath as rescuers began the recovery of the deceased.
Why It Matters
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding fire safety measures in Karachi, a city that has faced similar tragedies in the past. The scale of this disaster highlights critical gaps in emergency response capabilities and fire prevention protocols, which have historically resulted in significant casualties during such fires.
Key Developments
- At least 23 individuals have been confirmed dead, with dozens still missing.
- The fire began around 10:38 PM local time on Sunday and was not fully extinguished until late Monday.
- Rescue teams are searching for 46 additional people feared trapped in the rubble.
- Authorities have stated that only six bodies have been identified; the rest will require DNA testing.
- Emergency response has come under scrutiny, with protests erupting at the site over delayed firefighting efforts.
- The provincial government has announced compensation of 10 million rupees (approximately £82,000) for each deceased victim’s family.
Full Report
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Firefighters faced significant challenges as they battled the flames engulfing the multi-storey building filled with shops offering cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods. Dr. Abid Jalal Shaikh, the chief rescue officer for the city, noted that the fire spread rapidly, and by the time emergency teams arrived, it had already reached the upper floors. Rescue services began their efforts swiftly, responding to an emergency call within minutes. Unfortunately, the lack of proper ventilation within the structure caused thick smoke to impede rescue efforts on the ground.
Official Responses
Sindh provincial chief minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed the tragic toll of the fire, including the death of one firefighter, and acknowledged the need for thorough investigations into the incident. He expressed regret over the situation and promised that an inquiry would seek accountability for any lapses. “Heads will roll,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for systemic change to prevent future incidents.
Public Reaction
Public outcry surged as citizens chanted anti-government slogans at the site of the that bleached rubble, demanding accountability for the slow emergency response. As rescue teams continues their grim search among the charred remains, emotions ran high among onlookers and family members desperate for news about missing loved ones.
Context & Previous Events
The fire at Gul Plaza is part of a troubling history of deadly fires in Karachi, which often stem from inadequate safety measures in buildings across the city. Just last November, another shopping centre fire resulted in 10 deaths and left 22 injured. The most notorious incident occurred in 2012, when a catastrophic fire in a garment factory claimed 260 lives, raising longstanding concerns over fire safety regulations in Pakistan.
