KARACHI – The recovery of 30 bodies from a single shop at Gul Plaza has pushed the death toll from the tragic fire incident to 61. Rescue teams found all the bodies inside a crockery shop located on the mezzanine floor of the building.
According to DIG South Asad Raza, shopkeepers had earlier informed authorities that people were trapped on the mezzanine level. Acting on this information, rescue workers focused their efforts on the area. The bodies were discovered during a detailed search operation.
Officials said debris removal has been stopped for now. Priority is being given to the safe recovery of remaining victims. Authorities want to avoid further risk to rescue workers.
Investigators revealed that when the fire broke out at Gul Plaza, several people locked themselves inside a shop to escape the flames. Their mobile phone locations were later traced to the same spot where the bodies were found. This supported earlier claims that people were trapped inside.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said Rescue 1122 has been directed to conduct a final search of Gul Plaza. Once the operation is completed, the building will be demolished.
He confirmed that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) will oversee the demolition. The SBCA had already declared the structure unsafe and dangerous. Any remaining part of the building will be brought down after the final clearance.
The police surgeon stated that 11 bodies have been identified so far. DNA samples have been collected to help identify the remaining victims. Samples from 51 relatives have also been taken to speed up the process.
Authorities also reported that another family has contacted the missing persons desk. The family of 65-year-old Jahangir Shah registered him as missing. With this, the total number of missing persons has reached 86.
Search operations are still ongoing at the site. The ground, mezzanine, and first floors have been cleared. More than 40 percent of the building has collapsed. Officials warned that the remaining structure could collapse at any moment.
Rescue teams have also removed 32 vehicles and large generators from the roof. As a safety measure, the nearby Rampa Plaza has been temporarily closed. Authorities have requested maps and documents of the building from the SBCA for further review.
In other news read more about SBCA Acts On Gul Plaza Fire, Announces Significant Decision
Officials say investigations will continue to determine the cause of the fire and assess safety failures.
