In brief
A massive fire erupted at Gul Plaza, a popular shopping center in Karachi, leading to a tragic situation where at least 27 people have died and more than 70 remain unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses describe locked exits and horrified attempts to escape amidst the thick smoke and panic. Families are left searching for loved ones, and questions are raised about emergency response times and building safety regulations.
Muhammed Amin is beside himself with grief and despair.
His brother, Naveed Memon, was inside Gul Plaza when a massive fire ripped through the densely-packed shopping centre in Pakistan's commercial capital, Karachi.
Like dozens of others, he still hasn't been found.
Housing an estimated 1,200 shops, the Gul Plaza served as a vibrant market but is now associated with a horrific tragedy. Witnesses report that the fire spread rapidly possibly due to a combination of flammable materials and trapped shoppers. Eyewitness testimonies reveal locked exits that exacerbated the panic and confusion as customers struggled to escape.
As rescue operations continue amidst the unstable structure of the building, families gather in despair, hoping for news of their loved ones. The confirmed death toll is currently at 27, but many remain missing while frustration grows over the timing of emergency responses and building safety standards.
Survivors shared harrowing tales of the chaos, with some recalling visibility reduced to zero within minutes due to smoke engulfing the shopping area. Calls for better safety measures and an investigation into the incident have intensified, leaving a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
