Sad but Harsh

Описание: In January 2026, a catastrophic fire devastated Gul Plaza, a major shopping center on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi.
Key Details of the Incident
Timeline: The fire erupted late on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 10:15 PM PKT. It burned for over 36 hours before being brought under control by January 19.
Casualties: As of January 21, 2026, at least 28 people have been confirmed dead, including a firefighter. Dozens remain missing, with reports ranging from 65 to over 80 people still unaccounted for.
Destruction: The blaze destroyed approximately 1,200 shops, resulting in estimated economic losses of over 3 billion rupees. Large sections of the three-story building have collapsed, and the neighboring Rimpa Plaza has been declared unsafe due to structural damage.
Cause: While early reports suggested an electrical short circuit in a shop selling artificial flowers, the exact cause remains under official investigation.
Safety Failures & Public Response
Lack of Safety Gear: Rescuers noted the building had no emergency exits, smoke alarms, or sprinkler systems. Furthermore, 13 of the 16 existing exits were reportedly locked at the time the fire started.
Public Outcry: There has been significant public anger and protests regarding the slow response of the fire department and the overall lack of safety compliance in Karachi's commercial buildings.
Government Action: The Sindh government declared the event a "national tragedy" and announced a compensation of 10 million rupees (approx. $35,000) for the families of the deceased. A high-level inquiry into the building's safety standards and the rescue response has been ordered.


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