Pakistan: Death Toll In Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Rises To 26, Rescue Ops Continue | World News

At least 26 people have been confirmed dead and 81 others reported missing following a massive fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, Pakistan, which left the multi-storey commercial building structurally unstable and unsafe for public access, ARY News reported.

Authorities said that the fire, which broke out at around 22:00 on January 17, was brought under control approximately 34 hours later. However, rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing due to fear of further collapse. Search teams supported by the Army, Rangers and civil administration are conducting a careful operation while engineers assess the damaged structure.

DIG South confirmed that 26 bodies have been recovered from the area so far. While six victims have been identified, the remaining bodies will be identified through DNA testing. According to the police, while 69 people were initially reported missing, the location of the last 32 known people was traced to Gül Plaza. However, the missing persons desk set up in the Deputy Commissioner’s office later revised the figure to 81 missing persons based on complaints registered by families, ARY News reported.

DNA sample collection began, and relatives of 18 victims sent samples to assist authorities in the identification process. Officials said the situation in and around Gul Plaza and the adjacent Rampa Plaza was under control and all entry points were closed. Only authorized rescue personnel are allowed into the building.

Rescue teams continue to enter the fire-damaged structure through rear access points, while heavy machinery is being used to clear debris and create safer routes for search operations. Authorities advised families of missing persons to stay in touch with the DC office hotline for updates, ARY News reported.

Survivors have shared heartbreaking stories, raising serious concerns about security breaches. Zubair, one of the survivors, said that although Gul Plaza had 26 doors, 24 of them were locked after 10 pm, leaving only two ways out. “The darkness and thick smoke made it impossible to escape,” he said, adding that more than 20 people were in his shop at the time.

Another shopkeeper said he entered the building to rescue trapped people and took out a few unconscious people. He claimed there were no emergency exits and locked doors turned the building into a “death trap”.

Authorities announced that Gül Plaza was first built in 1980, and an additional floor was added in 1998 after an 18-year break. Over time, the roof was converted into a parking area and shops were illegally built in the original parking area. Although the added floor was later streamlined and a certificate of completion was issued in April 2003, questions arose about compliance with safety regulations, ARY News reported.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government announced that it will provide financial aid of 10 million Rupees to the families of those who lost their lives. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said the compensation would start being paid from Tuesday, describing the incident as a major tragedy and confirming that rescue teams were trying to gain access from multiple points.