Rimpa plaza declared unsafe as Gul Plaza fire death toll reaches 28 amid search efforts

KARACHI – Rimpa Plaza has been declared unsafe as the death toll from the Gul Plaza fire has surged to 28 in Karachi, with search and rescue operations still underway for missing 81 persons.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared Rimpa Plazz unsafe after the fire at adjacent plaza severely affected its structure. A

Officials said the intense third-degree fire at Gul Plaza caused significant damage to the columns of Rimpa Plaza.

In response, notices have been issued to the administration of plaza and the shop owners. Additionally, the SBCA has imposed a ban on using the dangerous sections of Rimpa Plaza. The authority has warned that strict actions will be taken against any unauthorized activities within the building.

As of now, the devastating fire at Gul Plaza has left 81 individuals missing and 28 confirmed dead. The incident has raised serious concerns about building safety and emergency preparedness in the area.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers affected by the devastating fire have revealed disturbing details about the building’s safety shortcomings.

The building, which has 26 entry and exit gates, only leaves two open after 10 pm, locking the others.

During the tragic fire, shopkeepers reported that 24 out of 26 gates were closed, leaving no emergency exits available.

As the fire rapidly spread, thick smoke filled the market, severely reducing visibility. The power was also shut off, adding to the confusion and panic. Trapped individuals found it difficult to breathe due to the smoke, and many lost consciousness shortly after the fire started.

Shopkeepers, witnessing the chaos, managed to rescue several people using their own efforts, helping them escape the building as the fire raged on. At the time of the incident, both workers and customers were inside the shops, caught in the disaster.