In Karachi, the fire that reignited on Monday in the basement of the already blaze-affected Gul Plaza has finally been brought under control, officials confirmed. This incident occurred shortly after firefighters had extinguished an earlier outbreak at the same location. The ongoing cooling process is now underway to prevent any further flare-ups at the once-thriving shopping complex, which has been closed since a devastating fire in January claimed 79 lives.
The fire initially broke out near Gate number 2 in the basement area, prompting a swift response from the city’s fire department. Eight fire tenders were deployed to tackle the flames this time, a reduction from the previous day when 12 fire tenders were required to control a similar blaze at the exact spot. The chief fire officer highlighted that the dense smoke inside the building posed significant challenges for the firefighting teams, complicating their efforts to fully extinguish the fire.
Following the initial response, fire brigade officials confirmed that cooling operations had commenced to ensure the fire did not reignite. This process involves systematically lowering the temperature of hotspots within the gutted structure. The once sprawling shopping plaza, which had been sealed off after the tragic January fire, remains a sensitive site due to the extent of damage and the risk of further incidents.
Additional Deputy Commissioner South, Asma Batool, provided further insight into the situation, stating that the fire had erupted in the basement of the sealed building. Teams were actively trying to gain access to the premises to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage. However, the full extent of destruction to the shops and infrastructure inside the plaza was not immediately clear, as authorities continued their investigation.
In a significant development, police revealed that the fire might have been deliberately started by a suspected drug-addicted individual who allegedly entered the sealed complex with the intent to commit theft. This person has since been detained and is undergoing questioning as part of the ongoing inquiry. The possibility of arson linked to criminal activity adds a worrying dimension to the incident, raising concerns about security at the site.
Meanwhile, firefighting teams requested urgent assistance from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) to support their operations. KWSC promptly activated emergency protocols at the Nipa Chowrangi and Safoora hydrants to ensure a steady water supply. Water tankers were also dispatched to the scene, and close coordination was maintained between the hydrants’ cell head, fire brigade, and rescue officials to facilitate efficient firefighting efforts.
To aid in clearing the thick smoke that engulfed the gutted building, specialized smoke injectors were deployed by the firefighting teams. These devices helped improve visibility and air quality inside the complex, allowing firefighters to work more effectively. Due to safety concerns, one lane of MA Jinnah Road, a major artery in Karachi, was temporarily closed to traffic. Traffic authorities confirmed that the route from Tibet Centre towards Numaish Chowrangi remains blocked for all vehicles until the situation is fully under control.
The recent back-to-back fires at Gul Plaza have once again drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of this sealed commercial hub. Authorities are now focused not only on extinguishing the flames but also on investigating the cause and preventing any future incidents. The tragic history of the plaza and the ongoing risks highlight the need for stringent security and safety measures in such high-risk locations across the city.
