Karachi: The death toll from a devastating fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre in Karachi has climbed to at least 61, Pakistani officials confirmed, after 30 bodies were recovered from a single burned shop within the complex.
Search and recovery operations continued at the densely packed three-storey mall, where more than 80 people are still feared missing following the blaze that broke out. Rescue teams are carefully removing debris as authorities attempt to locate any remaining victims.
Karachi South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza reported that at least 30 bodies were found in a mezzanine-floor shop, bringing the estimated death toll to 61. Asad Raza added that the final number would only be confirmed once DNA analysis of the remains is completed.
The bodies were recovered from a shop identified as ‘Dubai Crockery’, according to Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso. Nabi Khoso said victims appeared to have locked themselves inside the shop in an attempt to protect themselves. Local media reported that several people had taken refuge there after panic and a stampede erupted in the early moments of the fire.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of deaths and ordered that debris removal be suspended until all bodies are recovered, local media reported.
Provincial health official Summaiya Syed said more than 50 families have already provided DNA samples to help identify the victims. Relatives of the missing have voiced frustration over what they describe as a slow and painful recovery process.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, who heads an inquiry committee established by the Sindh government, visited the site and stated that preliminary findings suggested the fire safety measures at the building did not meet international standards, according to local media.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined. Karachi has witnessed several deadly fires in recent years, frequently linked to poor safety compliance and illegal construction. In November 2023, a fire at another shopping centre in the city killed 10 people and injured 22. One of the deadliest incidents occurred in 2012, when a blaze at a garment factory claimed at least 260 lives.
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