Death Toll Rises as Rescue Operations Continue at Karachi’s Gul Plaza
Rescue, recovery, and investigation efforts continue relentlessly after the tragic incident at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi. According to the Deputy Commissioner South, 55 to 60 deaths have been confirmed so far, while 88 people remain missing. Authorities fear more bodies may still be trapped under the rubble, prompting overnight search and rescue operations.
At Civil Hospital Karachi, 15 victims have been identified, and 11 bodies have been handed over to families. Rescue officials report that the death toll has now surpassed 61. On Wednesday, a large number of human remains were shifted to the hospital, many of them unidentifiable. Among the deceased, the only non-Muslim victim, Churchill, has also been identified and his family informed.
Families Await Closure Amid DNA Tests and Final Search Efforts
Authorities have ordered a final search operation before demolishing the building to prevent further risks. Evidence suggests that the roof gate was locked during the fire, possibly preventing many from escaping. Gul Plaza Market Chairman Tanveer Pasta stated that bodies are still being recovered from the debris, many in severely damaged condition, making identification difficult.
Rescue teams discovered remains of 20–25 people inside a mezzanine floor shop, where victims had sought refuge during the fire. Due to the condition of the bodies, DNA testing is required for identification, adding to the distress of families. Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khosa emphasized that demolition cannot proceed until the last missing person is found.
Meanwhile, the Karachi Commissioner noted that victims were aware of the fire but remained inside the building, a matter still under investigation. Families of missing persons continue to wait outside the collapsed structure, torn between hope and despair. Some have received news of their loved ones only through unrecognizable remains.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rampa Plaza unsafe, as its pillars were severely damaged by the third-degree fire at Gul Plaza. Notices have been issued to shop owners, warning against any activity without permission.
Investigations into the tragedy have also intensified. SBCA has submitted the complete building record to the Karachi Commissioner, including seven files with pending court cases dating back to 1992, 2015, and 2021. These documents cover illegal constructions, revised plans, regularization requests, and approval records.
