By Karachi witnessed a tragic incident late Saturday night when a massive fire engulfed Gul Plaza, a multi-storey shopping centre located on MA Jinnah Road, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and leaving many others injured or unaccounted for. The incident has caused widespread disruption in the surrounding areas as emergency responders continue firefighting and rescue operations.
According to officials, the fire spread rapidly through hundreds of shops inside the commercial building, making rescue efforts challenging due to dense smoke and structural concerns. Several people sustained injuries, while authorities fear that more individuals may still be trapped inside the plaza. Rescue teams, firefighters, and emergency medical staff remain on site, working around the clock to control the blaze and search for survivors.
MA Jinnah Road Closed Due to Ongoing Operations
In response to the incident, authorities have closed MA Jinnah Road between Anarkali Chowk and Central Plaza to regular traffic. The closure has been enforced to facilitate firefighting operations and ensure public safety. Traffic police have urged citizens to avoid the area and strictly follow the announced diversion plan to prevent congestion and allow emergency vehicles free movement.
Traffic Diversion Plan Announced
To manage traffic flow, authorities have announced multiple alternative routes:
- Capri Chowk: Vehicles traveling from Numaish towards Tower are being diverted left from Capri Cinema, passing through Empress Market, Regal, Burns Road, and Fresco, then turning right from Dilpasand to rejoin MA Jinnah Road.
- Fresco Chowk: Commuters heading towards Mazar-e-Quaid should proceed straight to Regal, turn left from Empress Market, pass Naz Plaza, and reconnect with MA Jinnah Road.
- Uncle Sarya Hospital Chowk: Traffic moving from Garden and Karachi Zoo towards the mobile market should turn left and proceed via Nasra School, Capri, and Sadar.
- Saeed Manzil: Motorists traveling from Jamia Cloth Market towards Mazar-e-Quaid are advised to turn left at Murad Khan Chowk, move along Nishtar Road, pass Karachi Zoo, and continue through the light signal.
- Garden Chowk: Vehicles from Sadar Regal Chowk and Mobile Market can proceed straight from Bambino Chowk, pass beside Star City Mall, turn left near Karachi Grammar School, then go via Naz Plaza and take a right.
Additionally, no parking has been allowed at Amma Tower and the Mobile Market on Abdullah Haroon Road until further notice.
Authorities Urge Public Cooperation
Traffic police and city authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate fully, avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, and stay informed through official announcements. Public safety remains the top priority as rescue and investigation efforts continue.
The Gul Plaza fire has once again highlighted concerns over fire safety in commercial buildings across Karachi. Authorities are expected to launch a detailed inquiry once emergency operations are completed to determine the cause of the blaze and assess safety compliance within the building.
