Five days after the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, the scale of the tragedy continues to grow, with authorities confirming that the adjacent Rampah Plaza has also been declared unsafe and sealed.

According to details, the fire that broke out at Gul Plaza spread to the nearby Rampah Plaza, prompting the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to issue notices to shopkeepers and seal the building. SBCA officials said Rampah Plaza has been declared structurally unsafe, and any activity inside the building without official permission will invite strict legal action.

SBCA has completed its inspection of the badly damaged Gul Plaza and reported that a large quantity of hot water is still present in the building’s basement. Officials said a detailed inspection of the internal pillars can only be carried out after the water is fully drained. As a precautionary measure, it has been decided to immediately install support jacks on the portion of the affected structure connected to Rampah Plaza.

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Meanwhile, the rescue operation inside the collapsed and fire-damaged building is ongoing. The confirmed death toll has risen to 28, while 85 people are still reported missing, raising fears that the number of casualties may increase further.

Authorities have started collecting DNA samples to identify the bodies recovered from the debris. So far, relatives of 18 victims have submitted DNA samples to assist in the identification process.

At the site of Gul Plaza, scenes of grief continue as dozens of citizens remain in tears, desperately waiting for news of their loved ones. Many families are still clinging to hope, praying for a miracle amid the rubble of one of Karachi’s most tragic building disasters in recent years.