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 across a basement, mezzanine and three floors, Gul Plaza was a wholesale market that served the city’s vibrant community. However, the fire's origin remains unclear, and witnesses highlight how quickly it spread, compounded by locked emergency exits and heavy crowds.
Survivors, like Rehan Faisal, described the chaos, recounting how he was able to escape while others were trapped. Many reported that store exits were locked, further complicating escape plans as they faced thick smoke and panic.
The death toll has reached 27 with many still unaccounted for, as the unstable structure of the building hinders rescue operations. Families have gathered desperately seeking news of missing members, adding to the turmoil as many voices accuse authorities of inadequate emergency responses. As the tragedy unfolds, protests have erupted in the city, demanding accountability and improvements in safety measures.
Housing an estimated 1,200 shops across a basement, mezzanine and three floors, Gul Plaza was a wholesale market that served the city’s vibrant community. However, the fire's origin remains unclear, and witnesses highlight how quickly it spread, compounded by locked emergency exits and heavy crowds.
Survivors, like Rehan Faisal, described the chaos, recounting how he was able to escape while others were trapped. Many reported that store exits were locked, further complicating escape plans as they faced thick smoke and panic.
The death toll has reached 27 with many still unaccounted for, as the unstable structure of the building hinders rescue operations. Families have gathered desperately seeking news of missing members, adding to the turmoil as many voices accuse authorities of inadequate emergency responses. As the tragedy unfolds, protests have erupted in the city, demanding accountability and improvements in safety measures.
