Karachi Mall Fire Death Toll Reaches 55 as Rescue Efforts Continue
The death toll from a catastrophic fire that engulfed a shopping mall in Pakistan's largest city has risen to at least 55 people, according to a Karachi government official speaking to AFP on Thursday. The devastating blaze at the three-storey Gul Plaza has left families in anguish as rescue operations proceed at a painstaking pace.
Official Confirmation and Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Javed Nabi Khoso, deputy commissioner of Karachi's south district, confirmed the grim statistics, stating, "A total of 55 bodies have been recovered since Saturday night" when the fire first erupted. Rescue teams continue to scour the wreckage for human remains, facing challenging conditions at the commercial complex.
Relatives of those still missing have expressed frustration and sorrow over what they perceive as slow rescue operations. The emotional toll on families waiting for news has been immense, with many gathering near the site hoping for closure.
DNA Identification Process Underway
Provincial health official Summaiya Syed revealed that more than 50 families have provided DNA samples to help identify victims. Speaking outside the Civil Hospital Karachi mortuary on Wednesday, she explained, "We will hand over the bodies (remains) to the family, once DNA samples are matched."
This meticulous identification process reflects the severity of the fire's impact, with many remains requiring scientific verification before being returned to grieving families.
Families' Heartbreaking Appeals
Faraz Ali, whose father and 26-year-old brother were inside the mall when the fire broke out, shared his emotional plea with AFP on Wednesday. The 28-year-old expressed his desperate wish "for the bodies to be recovered and handed over to their rightful families."
He continued with poignant words that capture the anguish of many affected families: "That is all so that the families may receive something, some comfort, some peace. At least let us see them one last time, in whatever condition they are, so that we may say our final goodbye."
Investigation Launched into Fire Cause
A government committee has been formed to investigate the tragic incident, though the exact cause of the inferno remains unclear at this stage. The scale of this blaze has drawn attention to fire safety concerns in Karachi's commercial establishments.
While fires are unfortunately common in Karachi's markets and factories, which often suffer from poor infrastructure and inadequate safety measures, a disaster of this magnitude is relatively rare. The incident has raised serious questions about building safety standards and emergency response capabilities in Pakistan's economic hub.
The Gul Plaza fire represents one of the deadliest commercial building fires in Karachi's recent history, highlighting the urgent need for improved fire safety regulations and enforcement in the city's bustling commercial districts.
