Rescue Teams Clear Two Floors, Upper Floors Still Dangerous
Karachi’s emergency services continue their operations at Gul Plaza, where a massive fire recently swept through the building. Firefighters and rescue personnel have cleared the ground and first floors, authorities said, but access to the second and third floors remains a major challenge.
Deputy Commissioner of South Karachi, Javed Nabi Khoso, told reporters that rescue teams are currently attempting to enter the upper floors. We are cutting through grills with the help of power cutters, he explained, emphasizing the difficulty posed by structural damage and lingering heat.
Missing Persons and Casualties
The deputy commissioner confirmed that 81 people are reported missing from the building. After cross-checking for duplicate entries, authorities have verified 74 distinct missing individuals so far.
Also Read: Another Section of Karachi’s Gul Plaza Collapses Amid Devastating Fire
Meanwhile, the Police Surgeon, Dr. Summaiya, confirmed that 27 bodies have been recovered and brought to the Civil Hospital. DNA samples have been collected from 14 of these victims, and seven have already been identified, including one through the National Identity Card system.
For the remaining victims, 50 family samples have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory. DNA testing is being conducted at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences at Karachi University. Additionally, human remains recovered from the site are undergoing further examination.
Shock and Horror Among Traders
Eyewitness accounts from traders inside Gul Plaza have painted a grim picture of the chaos during the fire. According to multiple shopkeepers, the building has 26 entry and exit doors. On the night of the fire, only two doors were left open after 10 p.m., and there were no designated emergency exits.
The fire spread extremely quickly, one trader recounted. Out of 26 doors, 24 were locked. Smoke filled the entire market, making it almost impossible to breathe.
Traders also reported that the electricity was cut off during the fire, adding to the confusion and panic. Many people were disoriented and struggled to find their way out. Some workers and shoppers collapsed from smoke inhalation, while others managed to escape thanks to the quick action of nearby shopkeepers.
Emergency Response and Challenges
The rescue operation faces numerous challenges. Thick smoke and damaged staircases are slowing efforts to reach trapped individuals on the upper floors. The use of cutting tools to remove grills is time-consuming but necessary to gain access safely.
Authorities are prioritizing the identification of victims and the recovery of missing persons. The DNA testing process, while thorough, may take several days due to the number of samples involved and the complexity of matching remains with family members.
Wider Context
Building fires are a recurring concern in Karachi, a city with dense commercial markets and often inadequate safety regulations. Past incidents have highlighted the importance of emergency exits, fire alarms, and regular safety inspections. The Gul Plaza fire has once again raised questions about compliance with building safety standards.
The tragedy has sparked calls for a review of commercial building safety, particularly in markets with high foot traffic. Experts note that timely access to emergency exits and functional fire suppression systems can drastically reduce casualties in such incidents.
Families Await Answers
As rescue efforts continue late into the night, families of the missing remain at the Civil Hospital and nearby areas, anxiously awaiting news. Many relatives have already submitted DNA samples in hopes of identifying their loved ones.
The human toll of the fire is still unfolding, and authorities have appealed for patience and cooperation from the public. Meanwhile, Karachi’s fire and rescue teams remain on high alert, working tirelessly to prevent further loss of life.
Also Read: Hope in the Ashes: Sacred Qur’ans Found Untouched After Karachi Blaze
