A devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has killed at least 26 people and left 83 others missing, officials said. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue searching the building’s charred remains, as fears of further collapse grow.
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Rescue Teams Battle Collapsing Structure
Rescue workers have entered most sections of Gul Plaza to find survivors. They are carefully removing debris while conducting intensive search-and-rescue operations. However, one more part of the already damaged building collapsed, complicating the operation. In addition, the fire damaged nearby structures, and the pillars in an adjacent building now lean dangerously. Authorities have warned residents and media personnel to maintain a safe distance.
Authorities Update List of Missing Persons
The South Deputy Commissioner’s office recently updated the list of missing people. After adding 12 names, officials now report 83 individuals missing. At the same time, authorities are tracking the mobile signals of 29 missing people near Gul Plaza, which provides hope for potential rescues.
Victims Identified and DNA Collection Underway
Officials have identified 18 of the 26 confirmed dead. Relatives of missing persons must submit personal information and DNA samples at Karachi’s Civil Hospital to help with identification.
Police surgeon Dr. Samia Tariq said hospital staff collected DNA samples from 20 bodies. Moreover, 48 families submitted their DNA. The authorities are sending these samples to Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory at Karachi University, where teams will cross-match them over the next three days.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Forensic Laboratory has received six body samples. In addition, Edhi’s cold storage in Sohrab Goth now holds six unidentified bodies for safekeeping.
Investigation Committee Reviews Fire
The government formed an investigation committee to examine the incident. During the upcoming meeting, officials will review collected data and analyze the fire’s causes. They plan to evaluate the emergency response, building structure, and safety compliance to prevent future disasters.
Fire Safety Concerns in Karachi
The collapse of multiple sections highlights Karachi’s longstanding building safety problems. Experts warn that poor construction, weak fire safety standards, and insufficient emergency planning increase the risks in high-rise buildings.
Karachi has experienced several deadly fires in recent years, often caused by electrical faults or inadequate fire equipment. According to a 2022 report by the Karachi Fire Department, over 60% of commercial high-rise buildings fail to meet basic fire safety standards.
Authorities said unstable structures make rescue operations extremely challenging. Nevertheless, police, civil defense, and volunteer teams are working together to minimize casualties.
As the city mourns, officials emphasize the urgent need to enforce building safety regulations. They hope these measures will prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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