Karachi Shopping Plaza Fire Death Toll Climbs to 26
The death toll from a catastrophic fire at a major shopping plaza in Karachi has now reached 26. Authorities in Pakistan's largest city warn this number could still increase as search operations continue at the site.
Rescue Teams Battle Structural Dangers
Rescue workers gained full access to Gul Plaza nearly 24 hours after the blaze began. The multi-storey wholesale and retail market caught fire late Saturday night, trapping dozens of people inside.
Firefighters have brought the inferno 95 percent under control, but smoke continues to rise from the structure. This complicates efforts to locate missing individuals within the damaged building.
Rescue 1122 Sindh spokesperson Hassan Khan confirmed 21 bodies have been recovered so far. Search operations continue despite serious concerns about possible structural collapses.
Mohammed Shah from the Pakistan Navy's rescue team described this as a "deep-seated fire." He noted smoke still emanates from the debris even though flames are largely extinguished.
Officials warn the weakened structure poses significant dangers. Portions of the building's front and back façades have collapsed, while cracks have been detected inside.
Dozens Remain Unaccounted For
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated authorities are still trying to establish the final death toll. He revealed about 65 people reported to have visited Gul Plaza remain unaccounted for.
"I cannot give a final number as of yet," Shah said during a press conference. "There has been a considerable loss of lives in this incident."
South DIG Syed Asad Raza warned more areas of the plaza still need clearing. He said the number of fatalities could increase as rescue teams remove debris from the site.
Compensation Announced for Victims' Families
The Sindh government has announced Rs10 million in compensation for each victim's family. This amount equals approximately £28,000 per family affected by the tragedy.
"There can be no price tag on a life," Chief Minister Shah emphasized. He confirmed the compensation process would begin immediately.
The chief minister also revealed one firefighter was among those who lost their lives battling the blaze.
Safety Questions Emerge After Tragedy
The exact cause of the fire remains unconfirmed. Officials initially suspect an electrical short circuit started the blaze, though they have ordered a forensic investigation.
Police have collected samples for DNA matching to help identify victims recovered from the site.
Authorities revealed a troubling safety detail about the plaza. Although the building had 16 gates, only three exits were open when the fire broke out.
This raises serious questions about safety compliance at commercial establishments in Karachi.
The city has witnessed repeated fatal fires over recent years. These tragedies often link to poor safety standards, illegal construction practices, and inadequate fire prevention systems.
A government audit conducted in 2024 found most commercial buildings in Karachi lack proper fire safety measures. This latest incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Pakistan's largest metropolitan area.
