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Fourteen dead, dozens missing in Karachi's Gul Plaza mall fire
A massive fire erupted at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 18, 2026, killing at least six confirmed, with reports of fourteen dead and over 50 missing; the blaze lasted 24 hours before being controlled.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing fire safety deficiencies in Pakistan's commercial buildings, leading to significant loss of life, property damage to over 1,000 shops, and calls for safety audits amid frequent such disasters.
Timeline
5 Events
Sindh CM visits site and orders inquiry
January 19, 2026
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expresses grief, confirms casualties, orders fire safety audits and strict enforcement across city buildings; inquiry launched.[1][3]
Search operation launched
January 19, 2026, 10pm
Search begins for over 50 missing amid collapse fears in charred building; more than 1,000 shops destroyed.[1][4]
Fire brought under control after 24 hours
January 19, 2026, 10pm local time
Intense blaze controlled after nearly 24 hours; six deaths confirmed including firefighter Furqan Shaukat, 22 injured (mostly discharged), over 50 missing.[1]
Firefighting and rescue response begins
January 18, 2026, night
Firefighters, rescue teams, and paramilitary personnel respond; flames spread rapidly through imported garments and plastics, with thick smoke visible from afar; at least three deaths reported initially.[2][3]
Fire erupts at Gul Plaza
January 18, 2026, 10:16pm local time
Fire breaks out at the three-storey Gul Plaza mall housing over 1,000 shops, likely due to a short circuit in an area with flammable materials; first fire tender arrives at 10:27pm.[1][2]