Karachi mall fire death toll rises to 14, over 60 missing
A fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has resulted in at least 14 fatalities, with more than 60 individuals reported missing. The blaze, which broke out late on Saturday, has made rescue operations difficult due to the building's unstable structure. Authorities received the first emergency call at 10:38 PM, but the fire had already spread significantly by the time firefighters arrived. A police investigation is ongoing to determine the cause, initially suspected to be an electrical short circuit. Firefighters managed to control the blaze after approximately 36 hours, but flames continued to emerge from the site. Local officials have expressed concern over the number of missing persons, with estimates ranging from 54 to over 70. The incident has raised questions about safety standards in Karachi, which has a history of deadly fires.
Published 16 hours ago • 19 Jan 2026, 03:06 PM IST