Old wounds reignite as Gul Plaza blaze claims one life

Authorities blame negligence of trespassers as blaze erupts in the basement

KARACHI:

A fire broke out in the basement of the dilapidated Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road on Sunday. According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson, the blaze was brought under control quickly, and the cooling process was completed without further incident. During a post-fire search operation, a severely burned man was found in the basement. Chhipa officials later confirmed that the victim had died from his injuries. The body, believed to be of a man around 45 years old, was transferred to Civil Hospital, but his identity remains unknown.

Gul Plaza, one of the city's key commercial hubs, was almost entirely destroyed by a devastating fire on 18 January this year, which reduced two sections of the building to rubble. After the initial fire, the administration declared the building unsafe and sealed it off, placing barriers around the perimeter. Despite this, videos circulated on social media showing addicts breaking in and stealing items from the abandoned structure.

The second fire erupted on the evening of Eid day two, once again in the basement. Fire brigade and local authorities responded immediately, suspecting that the blaze was caused by the carelessness of trespassers. Police have detained three addicts in connection with the incident, while questions remain about how unauthorised individuals continue to access the sealed building.