Karachi Mall Fire: A Tragic Night of Locked Doors and Rising Flames
In the heart of Karachi, a bustling mall turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. The Gul Plaza shopping complex, home to over 1,200 stores, became a death trap when a fire broke out late on a Saturday night. What started as a small blaze quickly spiraled out of control, engulfing the entire structure in flames.
Panic and Desperation
Many inside the mall initially thought it was just a minor fire. But as smoke filled the air and flames spread rapidly, panic set in. Shopowner Shahbaz Iqbal and his coworkers managed to escape through a basement exit, but others weren't so lucky. Most of the mall's gates were locked, leaving many trapped inside.
Authorities later revealed that only three of the mall's 16 exits were unlocked. Rescue workers, like Aqeel, found themselves facing locked doors as they tried to help those inside. The mall's management has not yet commented on the situation.
A Scene of Devastation
As rescue efforts continued, the grim reality of the tragedy became clear. Human remains were pulled from the debris, wrapped in white sheets. Shafi Ahmed, a store owner, stood in prayer, his friends still missing inside the mall. The scene was one of devastation and loss.
Chaos and Anger
Grieving families and shopowners struggled to come to terms with what had happened. Police had to hold back the crowd as emotions ran high. At one point, a fight broke out over a drawer full of money, a stark reminder of the desperation and chaos that followed the fire.
Anger and frustration grew among the people of Karachi. Protesters gathered around the smoldering remains of the building, calling for accountability. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah promised an investigation, but the crowd's anger was palpable. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab arrived late, facing jeers from the angry mob.
Families Torn Apart
The fire's aftermath left many families torn apart. Razia, 40, lost several relatives in the blaze. One of her nephews managed to escape but with injuries, while another, Ibrar, a flower shop worker, did not make it out. He had tried to help others escape but was still inside, with no one hearing from him since Saturday.
Questions and Demands for Justice
The tragedy at Gul Plaza raises serious questions about safety measures and emergency preparedness. As the city mourns, the need for answers and justice grows stronger.
