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Karachi Gul Plaza fire: Death toll rises to 10, 60 missing
A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi on January 17, 2026, killing at least 10 people including a firefighter, with around 60 still missing as rescue operations continue.[1][2]
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety issues in Karachi's commercial buildings, amid a history of deadly fires due to poor standards and illegal construction.[2][3]
Timeline
5 Events
Death toll rises to 10; 60 missing reported
January 19, 2026, overnight into morning
Rescuers recover four more bodies overnight, raising death toll to 10; Sindh Chief Minister reports 60 people missing; families gather outside damaged building.[2]
Fire fully extinguished
January 18, 2026, night
Firefighters fully extinguish the blaze nearly 24 hours after outbreak, allowing rescue teams to enter.[2]
Fire brought under control
January 18, 2026, afternoon
Firefighters bring blaze 60% under control by afternoon; cooling operations continue; IGP attributes likely cause to short circuit, inquiry ordered.[1]
Initial response and firefighter death
January 18, 2026, morning
Firefighters battle the blaze; one firefighter, Furqan Shoukat, dies on upper floors; five bodies recovered; fire 75% under control but full extinguishment pending.[1][3]
Fire erupts at Gul Plaza
January 17, 2026, 10:45 PM
A massive fire breaks out on the ground floor of the four-story Gul Plaza shopping mall, housing 1,200 shops with flammable goods like cosmetics, garments, and plastics; blaze spreads rapidly upward.[1][2][3]