A devastating third-degree fire at Gul Plaza, located on the busy MA Jinnah Road, has shaken the city, claiming at least six lives so far, including a firefighter, while rescue operations continue under extremely dangerous conditions, Aaj News reported. According to rescue officials, another portion of the fire-hit building collapsed during the operation, significantly increasing risks for firefighters and rescuers. One of the bodies recovered from the debris was identified as a firefighter named Furqan. With this latest recovery, the death toll has risen to six, while more casualties are feared to be trapped inside. The fire broke out suddenly around 10:15pm on Saturday on the ground floor of the plaza and rapidly spread to the mezzanine floor and up to the third floor. Despite hours of firefighting efforts, the blaze has not yet been fully brought under control. Fire brigade officials said that 20 fire tenders and four snorkels are being used to combat the flames, along with water and foam. Fire tenders from the Pakistan Navy have also joined the operation. Intense heat and thick smoke have made it extremely difficult for firefighters to enter the building. Rescue sources confirmed that more than 20 people have sustained burn injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment. Smoke continues to billow from the building even after several hours, hampering rescue efforts. The Pakistan Navy is actively participating in the rescue operation, which is being led by Captain Farhan Sheikh and Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed. Lieutenant Commander Ahmed stated that five Navy fire tenders and around 70 personnel are involved in search and rescue activities across different sections of the building. He added that the Navy has recovered one body so far, while other rescue agencies have retrieved four bodies. Officials warned that more people may still be trapped inside, but unstable structures, extreme heat, and dense smoke have made entry highly hazardous. During the rescue operation, a tragic incident occurred when a fire brigade ladder broke, causing two individuals to fall and sustain injuries. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from a shop selling artificial flowers, where highly flammable material allowed the blaze to spread rapidly. A gas leakage reportedly triggered a powerful explosion, further intensifying the fire. Gul Plaza housed around 1,200 shops. All shops on the ground floor were completely gutted, and traders estimate losses worth billions of rupees. Many shopkeepers said their lifetime savings were wiped out in the incident. Rescue officials noted that prolonged exposure to fire has severely weakened the building’s pillars. The structure, which was built before the creation of Pakistan, was already in a dilapidated condition. Authorities confirmed that part of the building has already collapsed, worsening the situation. There are reports that several people remain trapped inside the shopping plaza. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site and told media that more than 100 people were feared trapped, including a seven-month pregnant woman. He said the Pakistan Navy, Rangers, and rescue agencies were jointly working to evacuate those inside safely. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal expressed deep sorrow over the incident and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. He assured that all injured victims would receive immediate and complete medical care, adding that the federal government stands ready to provide full assistance to the Sindh government. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab also expressed grief and directed authorities to ensure prompt medical treatment for all affected individuals. Following the incident, panic spread across the area, with a large number of citizens gathering near the site. Authorities said the full extent of losses and the exact cause of the fire would be determined once the blaze is completely extinguished and rescue operations are concluded.