In a tragic escalation, the death toll from the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza mall has surged to 60, with authorities confirming the grim recovery of 30 charred bodies from a single crockery store within the complex. The blaze, which raged for over 24 hours, has been described as one of the worst infernos in the city’s recent history.
Police officials, including DIG Syed Asad Raza, revealed that the bodies were found locked inside a shop on the mezzanine floor, where victims likely sought refuge from the spreading flames. The multi-story shopping hub, sprawling across 8,000 square yards with 1,200 shops, partially collapsed under the fire’s fury, complicating rescue efforts.
Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso of the South District emphasized that demolition of the structure won’t proceed until every missing person is accounted for. Reports indicate 86 individuals were initially unaccounted for post-fire, with 39 traced to locations inside the mall and 17 unidentified bodies still pending verification. So far, 11 have been identified.
Firefighting teams battled the stubborn flames for more than a day in Karachi’s historic center, with the inferno also affecting the nearby Rimpa Plaza. The Sindh Building Control Authority noted the fire’s spread to adjacent structures. As investigations continue, questions loom over building safety standards in Pakistan’s bustling commercial hubs, prompting calls for stricter regulations.