24/01/2026
Would you like to know more about the investigation or the government's response to the tragedy??? 😭😭😭
Gul Plaza, a bustling shopping mall in Karachi, was engulfed in flames on January 17, 2026, resulting in the loss of at least 71 lives. The fire, which started at an artificial flower shop, spread rapidly, trapping workers and shoppers inside. Survivors described the chaos, with smoke-filled corridors, locked exits, and poor ventilation, making it difficult to escape.
Muhammad Imran, a shop owner, recounted the harrowing experience: "It felt like doomsday. You couldn't see the person next to you." Many were forced to run to the roof, where 70 people, including families and children, were trapped for nearly an hour.
The response to the fire was criticized for being delayed and inadequate. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze, which was exacerbated by flammable materials and gas cylinders in the building. The Sindh government announced compensation for the victims' families and promised to rebuild the mall within two years.
The incident highlighted Karachi's poor safety record, with inadequate firefighting equipment, blocked escape routes, and faulty alarms. The authorities have launched an investigation, and a first information report (FIR) has been registered, citing negligence and lack of safety measures.
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