How Did Survivors Escape the Horror of the Mall Fire?

The tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has left families shattered and the local community in mourning. With a confirmed death toll of 27 and over 70 individuals still missing, the incident has raised significant concerns about building safety and emergency response protocols in Pakistan. Survivors and relatives of victims are calling for accountability and immediate reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The aftermath of the fire at Gul Plaza continues to unfold, with rescue operations hampered by the unstable condition of the building. As of now, the focus has shifted from rescue to recovery, with officials attempting to locate the missing while managing the intense grief of families waiting for news. Eyewitness accounts highlight a severe delay in the response from fire services, prompting widespread public outcry and calls for accountability.

Key takeaways

• The fire at Gul Plaza has claimed at least 27 lives, with over 70 still unaccounted for.
• There are serious concerns about emergency response times, with reports indicating that the first emergency call wasn't received until 22:38 local time.
• The structure of Gul Plaza is severely damaged, complicating rescue efforts and raising fears of further collapses.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief timeline of the events surrounding the fire:

• 28 October 2023, 20:00 BST: Initial reports of a fire break out on the ground floor of Gul Plaza.
• 28 October 2023, 22:00 BST: Eyewitness Shoaib hears about the fire; panic ensues as smoke fills the building.
• 28 October 2023, 22:38 BST: First emergency call received; firefighters dispatch to the scene.
• 29 October 2023: Rescue operations begin, but the building's structure poses risks, leading to complications.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent developments include growing public protests demanding accountability from local officials and the promise of an investigation into the fire and emergency response. Families of the missing continue to gather near the site, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.

What was already established

Prior to this incident, there had been concerns regarding building safety and emergency protocols in Karachi, especially in densely populated areas like Saddar. This fire marks a significant failure in these areas, as demonstrated by the tragic loss of life.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate effects of the fire are felt in Karachi, the tragedy raises broader concerns about safety regulations in public buildings that can resonate globally, including in the UK. Families often travel to Pakistan for festivals and weddings, and incidents like this can affect perceptions of safety when visiting.

Businesses and jobs

The impact on local businesses is profound, particularly for shop owners who may have lost everything in the fire. The closure of Gul Plaza not only affects the owners but also the numerous employees who relied on their jobs there. This disaster could lead to economic repercussions in the local market.

Policy and regulation

The fire incident could catalyse policy changes regarding building codes and emergency response strategies in Karachi and potentially influence similar discussions in the UK about safety protocols in public spaces.

Numbers that matter

• 27 confirmed dead, with over 70 individuals still reported missing.
• 16 exits in Gul Plaza, of which only 3 were operational during the fire, according to officials.
• Firefighters received the first emergency call approximately 38 minutes after the fire began.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Gul Plaza: A shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, housing around 1,200 shops.
• Emergency response: The actions taken to address emergencies, including firefighting and medical assistance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, rescue efforts will continue, with a focus on recovering those missing and assessing the structural integrity of the building. Families will seek closure and answers regarding their loved ones.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As investigations unfold, there will likely be discussions around implementing stricter building codes and emergency protocols. Local authorities may face pressure to reform fire safety regulations.

Signals to watch

• Updates on the number of missing individuals and recovery operations.
• Results from the investigation into the cause of the fire and response times.
• Public sentiment and protests regarding building safety reforms.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about updates regarding the fire and rescue efforts.
• Support local charities or initiatives focused on aiding victims and families affected by the tragedy.

Don’t

• Don’t ignore the calls for accountability and reforms in building safety; public pressure can lead to meaningful change.
• Don’t underestimate the emotional toll on families and survivors; offer support where possible.

Checklist

• Monitor local news for updates on missing persons and recovery efforts.
• Consider contributing to relief funds or efforts supporting affected families.
• Engage in discussions about building safety and emergency response reforms.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There remain significant uncertainties regarding the final death toll and the condition of the building. The ongoing rescue operations are complicated by the risk of further collapse, which poses dangers to rescue personnel. Additionally, the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, leaving many questions unanswered.

Bottom line

The devastating fire at Gul Plaza is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in building safety and emergency preparedness. It highlights the urgent need for accountability and reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community's grief is palpable, and the demand for action is growing stronger as families search for answers and justice.

FAQs

What caused the fire at Gul Plaza?

The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, and investigations are ongoing to determine how it started.

How many people are still missing after the fire?

Currently, over 70 people remain unaccounted for following the tragic fire at Gul Plaza.

What are the local authorities doing in response to this disaster?

Local authorities have promised an investigation into the fire and the response times of emergency services, with calls for reforms in building safety regulations.