KARACHI: (Junaid Shah) Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, has said 6 deaths have been confirmed, while over 50 people are feared to be missing as fire dousing efforts continue for the second consecutive day. A busy Gul Plaza in Karachi caught fire, engulfing the entire building on Saturday night.
Chief Minister Sindh paid a visit to the site along with ministers, and the city administration, and the CM was briefed about the ongoing operation, casualties and injuries.
While talking to the media, CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said that six casualties have been confirmed, and over 50 people are still missing, and the rescue operation is ongoing. However, strict legal action would be taken against the people involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, a detailed report on the Gul Plaza fire incident was presented to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah by the Karachi Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner South on Sunday.
According to the report, the fire broke out between 9:45 pm and 10:15 pm, gutting more than 1,200 shops in Gul Plaza. The chief minister was informed that 60 to 70 per cent of the blaze had been brought under control after extensive firefighting efforts.
The briefing revealed that six people lost their lives, while 22 others sustained injuries in the incident. All the injured were shifted to the Burns Ward of Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.
A total of 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers, and four snorkel vehicles took part in the firefighting operation. Additionally, 33 ambulances of Rescue 1122 participated in rescue and relief activities.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives, the Sindh chief minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed grief over the heavy financial losses caused by the tragedy. He also paid tribute to the firefighter who embraced martyrdom while battling the blaze, praising the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters who risked their lives to save citizens.
Murad Ali Shah directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and ordered the administration to continue rescue and cooling operations until the fire is completely extinguished. He instructed the district administration, police, and rescue agencies to remain engaged until normalcy is fully restored.
The chief minister also ordered an investigation to determine the causes of the incident and directed officials to strengthen fire safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. He stressed that all institutions must remain vigilant to protect public life and property, adding that the Sindh government has never abandoned the trader community and will continue to stand by them.
