KARACHI: A tragic development unfolded on Monday as a man succumbed to injuries sustained during a fresh fire that broke out at the already compromised Gul Plaza building on M.A. Jinnah Road. Rescue teams discovered the individual unconscious amidst the debris after the blaze erupted on Sunday. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he passed away, underscoring the continuing dangers posed by the unstable structure.
The identity of the deceased remains unknown, and his body has been transferred to the morgue for further examination. Authorities, including police and relevant municipal departments, have been notified and are actively involved in investigating the incident. This latest fire incident has reignited concerns about the safety of the building, which had been severely damaged in a previous major fire just two months prior.
Officials revealed that the fire originated in a shop situated within a narrow alley connected to Gul Plaza. The flames quickly produced thick, black smoke that billowed into the sky, alarming nearby residents and passersby. Given the building’s already weakened condition, there were immediate fears that the fire could cause further structural deterioration, potentially endangering more lives and nearby properties.
In a related development, law enforcement detained three individuals suspected of drug addiction near the site. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) City Ali Hassan confirmed that one suspect was apprehended inside the building, allegedly attempting to steal copper wiring, while the other two were arrested outside the premises. All three are currently under investigation as authorities seek to determine their involvement and any potential links to the recent fire.
The fire prompted a swift response from Rescue 1122, who launched firefighting operations amid a growing crowd of onlookers gathered outside Gul Plaza. To support the firefighting efforts, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) declared an emergency status at the NIPA and Safoora hydrants following requests from rescue teams. Additionally, water tankers were positioned at the Sakhi Hassan hydrant to ensure an uninterrupted water supply throughout the operation, highlighting the logistical challenges faced during urban fire emergencies.
This incident follows a devastating blaze that engulfed Gul Plaza on the night of Saturday, January 17, lasting over 32 hours and trapping dozens inside the commercial complex. The previous fire exposed significant shortcomings in the city’s emergency response mechanisms and led to the building being officially declared structurally unsafe. In the aftermath, rescue teams, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, conducted extensive search and rescue operations to locate missing persons. Families of the trapped coordinated with officials at help desks and DNA collection centers, while structural engineers assessed the extent of the damage to the building.
The recurrence of fire at Gul Plaza within such a short span raises urgent questions about the enforcement of safety regulations and the effectiveness of preventive measures in Karachi’s commercial hubs. It also highlights the need for enhanced coordination among emergency services, law enforcement, and municipal authorities to prevent further tragedies in vulnerable urban structures.
