Karachi: Death toll from Gul Plaza fire rises to 24 as search continues for dozens missing

Karachi (Web Desk): The death toll from the massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping centre climbed to 24 on Monday, as rescue teams resumed their efforts after completing cooling operations.

Officials warned that the number could rise further, with dozens still unaccounted for.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaan ul Haseeb Khan confirmed that two more bodies were recovered since morning, including a firefighter. Smoke was still visible from the third floor, where a flare-up earlier in the day was brought under control.

The Jubilee section of the plaza suffered severe damage, with the entire front façade collapsing, and access to the basement and ground floors remains blocked by debris, making rescue work extremely challenging.

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 36 hours, using about 1.4 million gallons of water from seven hydrants across the city. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed said the structure is highly unstable, posing a serious collapse risk, and only debris removal continues as firefighting has been halted for safety reasons.

The fire broke out late Saturday night and raged through Sunday, causing parts of the building to cave in. Firefighters recovered remains of several victims, including a child, while around 54 to 59 people remain missing. Police are using mobile phone data to trace the missing, having located at least 26 near Gul Plaza, and a helpline has been set up for families.

About 30 people were injured, mostly from smoke inhalation or burns. Two firefighters are receiving treatment at PNS Shifa, while others were shifted to Jinnah Hospital’s trauma and burns units, with some later discharged.

Identified victims include Kashif, 40; Faraz, 55; Mohammad Aamir, 30; and Furqan, 25, while many others are yet to be identified. The Edhi Foundation said relatives of over 55 missing persons have reached out for help.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the site, offering Rs10 million compensation for each victim’s family. He confirmed that Gul Plaza, with over 1,200 shops, is badly damaged.

Preliminary assessments suggest a possible short circuit in a shop with flammable material as the cause. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed, and forensic assistance has been requested from Lahore.

The provincial government will enforce the Fire Safety Audit 2024 and take steps to rehabilitate affected traders, rebuild the structure, and provide temporary spaces to resume business. CM Shah emphasized improving emergency exits, fire alarms, and firefighting measures in commercial buildings.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for a judicial commission to investigate the incident and set up a fund for victims’ rehabilitation. Karachi Police Chief Additional IG Azad Khan said no evidence of sabotage has been found, and criminal cases will be filed if negligence is proven.

Meanwhile, a constitutional petition has been filed in the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the government and other authorities, demanding accountability and compensation, calling the disaster a result of institutional failure. Rescue and recovery operations continue as authorities search for more potential survivors amid unstable conditions.