The devastating Gul Plaza fire tragedy on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, has taken a darker turn as the death toll climbed to 30, while 85 people remain missing, according to officials, following one of the city’s deadliest commercial building disasters in recent years.
The massive blaze erupted late Saturday night around 10:15 pm at the well-known Gul Plaza shopping mall, quickly spreading through the structure. Despite continuous efforts by fire brigade and rescue teams, the intensity of the fire caused nearly 40 percent of the building to collapse, severely hampering rescue operations.
Building Partially Collapses, Structure Declared Extremely Weak
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that 40 percent of the building has collapsed, while experts from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) declared the remaining structure highly dangerous and unstable. Traders and civilians have been urged to stay away from the designated red zone for their safety.
Authorities said multiple attempts—over 32 entries—were made to access the building from different points, but the extreme heat, smoke, and structural damage prevented deeper penetration during the early hours.
Rescue Teams Enter After 40 Hours, Bodies and Human Remains Found
After nearly 40 hours, rescue teams managed to enter the building and began a floor-by-floor search. Operations on the first floor have been completed, while search efforts on the second floor continue. During the operation, human remains and bodies were recovered, with rescuers using torches due to darkness inside the mall.
At one point, a flare-up reignited, forcing firefighters to resume water spraying. The fire was later brought under control again, and cooling operations are ongoing.
Also Read: Karachi Gul Plaza fire extinguished after 33 hours, death toll rises to 14
Mayor Karachi Oversees Rescue, Heavy Machinery Deployed
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab personally visited the site late at night to supervise the rescue operation. He directed all municipal departments to remain on high alert until every missing person is accounted for.
On the mayor’s instructions, heavy machinery and cranes were deployed to clear the roof. So far, 32 vehicles—including 16 cars, 4 Suzuki vans, 12 motorcycles, and one rickshaw—have been safely removed and returned to their owners.
75 Missing, 13 Bodies Identified So Far
Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi confirmed that 26 bodies have been recovered, of which 13 have been identified, while others will undergo DNA testing. He described the blaze as one of the most intense fires he has witnessed, stating that a formal inquiry committee has begun collecting evidence.
Rescue 1122 officials said three simultaneous search operations are underway at five marked points, while a special team continues firefighting and cooling to prevent further collapse.
Final Death Toll Still Uncertain
Rescue officials cautioned that the final death toll cannot yet be confirmed, as some bodies were found in parts and require forensic verification to determine the exact number of victims. Clearing debris may take 15 to 17 days, according to the Chief Fire Officer, due to the building’s hazardous condition.
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Edhi Foundation, Police, and Hospitals on High Alert
Edhi Foundation head Faisal Edhi said families of over 55 missing persons have contacted the organization. Police confirmed that mobile data and location tracking is being used to trace missing individuals.
Hospitals reported 30 injured, including two firefighters, who are currently under treatment. Several victims affected by smoke inhalation were discharged after first aid.
Authorities emphasized that the SBCA will decide whether the remaining structure should be demolished after the rescue operation is completed.
