Karachi Mall Fire: 21 Dead, Many Missing Amid Locked Exits and Slow Response

Deadly Blaze at Gul Plaza Mall

• 💔 A devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza mall has resulted in at least 21 deaths, with many individuals still unaccounted for.
• 💨 The fire, which witnesses say began late Saturday from air ducts, rapidly engulfed the shopping complex, spreading through over 12,200 stores.
• 🔥 The blaze raged for more than 24 hours before firefighters could mostly extinguish it.

Trapped Shoppers and Locked Exits

• 🔑 Police reported that 13 out of 16 exits at the mall were found to be locked, trapping many inside.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of being trapped, with some seeking refuge in a mosque on an upper floor after initial contact with loved ones was lost.
• ⏳ A cafe owner described hearing about the fire as gates were closing, forcing them to abandon their business to escape.

Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts

• ⛏️ Firefighters continued to pull bodies from the wreckage on Monday, bringing the total death toll to 21, including a woman and a child.
• 🏗️ The building sustained significant damage, with much of it crumbled and cranes demolishing remaining structures due to fears of collapse.
• 👥 By Monday, hundreds had gathered at the ruins, demanding accountability from authorities.

Investigation and Response Concerns

• ⚖️ Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has promised an investigation into the fire and the emergency response.
• ⚠️ The slow response and locked exits have fueled protests and calls for answers regarding the tragedy.