KARACHI (Dunya News) – The death toll from the massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping centre, located at the MA Jinnah Road, has climbed to 26 on Monday, out of which 18 bodies, including that of a firefighter, have been identified.
Twenty-two people were also injured in the Gul Plaza inferno that was brought under control after 33 hours, while more than 70 people are still reported missing.
Due to the horrific blaze, the building was reduced to ashes. Several sections multi-storey building collapsed, pillars were weakened, and concerns arose that the remaining structure could collapse at any time.
Rescue personnel continued search and rescue operations inside the affected building, while debris removal process is also underway.
Meanwhile, an inquiry committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Karachi Commissioner. The DNA samples for the identification of recovered bodies have been sent to the DNA laboratory at the University of Karachi.
The DNA profiling was conducted at the Karachi Medico-legal Centre. Police Surgeon Dr Sammiya stated that the identification of bodies would be carried out through DNA cross-matching, adding that samples from multiple bodies and their relatives have been collected so far.
It is worth noting that Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan had clarified earlier that initial investigations found no evidence of sabotage. He said that if negligence is found, cases will be registered. He added that rescue operations are being carried out cautiously, saying that no timeframe for their completion can be given.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed stated that the main fire at Gul Plaza has been completely extinguished and that cooling operations are currently underway. Limited search operations are also being conducted. The fire, which broke out on Saturday night, continued to rage for 33 hours.
Earlier, all fire brigade vehicles stopped operations on the back side of Gul Plaza after sounds began coming from the building during firefighting operation. The building had become dangerous and there was a risk of collapse, which is why firefighting was halted and only debris removal continued.
Rescue officials said that 90 percent of the fire had been controlled, but work was stopped due to the dangerous condition of the building and the risk of collapse.
The firefighting and rescue operations at Gul Plaza involved the Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, KMC, Rescue Sindh officials, and volunteers, who risked their own lives to save others.
SINDH CM ANNOUNCES RS10M COMPENSATION FOR EACH VICTIM
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced Rs10 million in compensation for each family of those killed in the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, as rescue operations, debris removal, and investigations continue at the multi-storey commercial building.
The compensation process will begin from tomorrow, once documentation is completed.
A total of 26 bodies have so far been recovered from the site, while 22 people sustained minor injuries and have since returned home. He said 65 people remain unaccounted for, adding that a total of around 80 individuals were affected by the incident.
Murad Ali Shah said around 200 firefighters participated in the operation, including 100 from KMC and 100 from Rescue 1122, supported by the Pakistan Navy and the Civil Aviation Authority. Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, and senior officials were present at the scene during rescue operations.
Firefighters managed to enter the building through three access points, but the structure has suffered an estimated 40 per cent collapse. The chief minister warned that complete demolition of the building may be required due to safety concerns.
He paid tribute to firefighter Furqan, who lost his life during the operation, noting that his father had also died in the line of duty as a firefighter. Immediate compensation has been announced for the families of firefighters who were killed while battling the blaze.
Briefings given to the chief minister indicated that the death toll could rise to between 50 and 60, as several missing persons are feared trapped under debris. Several recovered bodies are yet to be identified.
The building housed more than 1,200 shops, leaving a large number of traders suddenly unemployed. Murad Ali Shah said a special committee has been formed to recommend rehabilitation measures, including the immediate provision of alternative shops so affected traders can resume their businesses.
He confirmed that clearing of debris will begin immediately, alongside a forensic investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The chief secretary has been directed to formally notify a fact-finding committee, and the option of a judicial inquiry remains open if required.
Acknowledging long-standing safety concerns in Karachi, the chief minister admitted that many buildings in the city suffer from serious fire and structural safety issues. He said immediate and medium-term measures are being planned to address these risks, adding that cabinet members will visit the homes of victims’ families to express solidarity.