Karachi Mall Fire: Locked Doors Fueled Tragedy

A devastating fire consumed Gul Plaza in Karachi on January 17, 2026, claiming 71 lives and leaving 15 individuals missing and presumed dead. Survivors described a terrifying ordeal where locked exits, poor ventilation, and darkness made escape nearly impossible, with some trapped on the roof for nearly an hour.

Investigations indicate the blaze began in an artificial flower shop, potentially caused by children playing with matches. Critically, authorities found that 13 of the 16 exits were locked, a common practice after 10 p.m., significantly impeding evacuation efforts.

Documents reveal Gul Plaza, constructed in the early 1980s, had repeatedly violated building regulatory standards for over a decade. Warnings about its dire safety situation were issued as recently as two years prior to the incident.

The fire department's audits in late 2023 and early 2024 flagged Gul Plaza for numerous deficiencies, including inadequate firefighting equipment, blocked escape routes, faulty alarms, and poor emergency lighting, marking key safety categories as "unsatisfactory."

Survivors reported delayed and inadequate response from the fire brigade, with the first fire engine reportedly running out of water. The provincial government stated the fire was difficult to control due to the presence of over 50 gas cylinders and flammable materials, exacerbated by shops being fully stocked for the upcoming Ramazan season.

The tragedy has deeply impacted the tightly-knit community of shopkeepers, with many recounting the loss of daily acquaintances and the replaying of the horrific events.