Home / Disasters and Accidents / Karachi Mall Fire: Locked Doors Fueled Tragedy
Karachi Mall Fire: Locked Doors Fueled Tragedy
24 Jan
Summary
- A devastating fire at Gul Plaza claimed 71 lives.
- Locked exits and poor ventilation trapped shoppers inside.
- The building had violated safety standards for over a decade.
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.
