Gul Plaza inferno doused, fatalities rise to 14 as rescuers expand search for missing

Karachi, January 2026: The death toll from the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen to 14, as rescue teams continued search and recovery work even after the blaze was brought under control following 33 hours of intense firefighting.

Firefighters finally managed to extinguish the inferno late Sunday night. However, the operation remains difficult due to the building’s damaged structure. Several parts of Gul Plaza have collapsed, forcing rescuers to proceed with extreme caution.

Rescue Work Continues Amid Dangerous Conditions

Fire Officer Zafar Khan said the condition of the building is extremely unsafe. He explained that rescue teams can only stay inside for short periods.

“We inspect relatively safer areas and come out immediately,” he said, adding that teams are searching for possible survivors.

To access blocked sections, rescuers are cutting windows and breaking walls with hammers. The cooling process is ongoing, and officials expect rescue work to speed up as access improves.

Bodies Recovered, Some Unidentifiable

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza confirmed that 14 people have lost their lives in the fire. Rescue officials said five bodies were burned beyond recognition, making identification difficult.

Authorities are now working with families and using forensic methods to identify the victims.

How the Fire Started

According to a report submitted to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the fire broke out between 9:45pm and 10:15pm on Saturday.

Rescue services received an emergency call at 10:38pm, reporting a fire at the ground-floor shops of the multi-storey Gul Plaza shopping centre. Unverified reports suggest the fire may have started at a flower shop.

Flames quickly spread to the upper floors. Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night.

Eyewitness Accounts and Business Losses

Hundreds of people gathered outside the building as the fire raged. Many shopkeepers watched helplessly as their businesses were destroyed.

“We are left with nothing. Twenty years of hard work is gone,” said shop owner Yasmeen Bano.

Fire Spread Rapidly, Say Rescuers

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassanul Haseeb Khan told Reuters that the fire had already engulfed most of the building when teams arrived.

“The flames from the ground floor had spread rapidly to the upper floors,” he said.

Missing Persons and Ongoing Investigation

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site nearly 23 hours after the fire began, which sparked protests from affected families.

He said around 65 people were initially reported missing. Police later confirmed that families of 59 individuals contacted authorities.

Police traced 26 mobile phone numbers to the incident site. Efforts are ongoing to locate others.

Firefighting Details

The Chief Fire Officer said foam was used from the first day to control the blaze. He confirmed that around 90% of the fire has been extinguished, but goods stored inside the building are still burning.

Authorities have promised a full investigation into the cause of the fire and possible safety lapses.

This is a developing story, and more details are expected.