Karachi (Bureau Report / Web Desk):
The death toll from a massive fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has risen to 23, while more than 30 people have been injured and at least 62 individuals are still missing.
Rescue agencies managed to bring the fire under control after 33 hours. Access to the basement of the building has now been achieved. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that 23 bodies have been recovered from Gul Plaza. He said that 22 people who sustained minor injuries were discharged and returned home. The provincial government has announced compensation of Rs10 million for the families of each deceased victim.
Sounds were heard coming from inside the damaged building, prompting rescue officials to make announcements asking citizens to move away. Police were called to the scene due to a severe risk of the building collapsing.
A search operation has begun after removing debris from the plaza. According to information provided by citizens searching for their loved ones, up to 73 people are still missing. Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said the fire has been completely extinguished and cooling operations are ongoing. He added that while access to the basement has been secured, no timeframe can be given for the completion of the rescue operation.
Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan stated that initial investigations have found no evidence of sabotage. He said that if negligence is identified in the administrative report, a case will be registered. Rescue work is being carried out with extreme caution, and no end time can be specified.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed confirmed that the main fire has been fully extinguished and cooling operations are underway. Limited-scale search operations are continuing. The fire, which broke out on Saturday night, continued to burn for 33 hours.
Earlier, firefighting operations at the rear side of Gul Plaza were suspended after cracking noises were heard from the building, which has become structurally unsafe and at high risk of collapse. Rescue officials said 90 percent of the fire had been controlled, but operations were halted due to the building’s deteriorating condition.
DIG South Asad Raza reported that 11 complete bodies and body parts of three others have been recovered. Late at night, Chhipa welfare officials recovered the body of another individual from the debris, whose identity has not yet been confirmed.
The firefighting and rescue operation involved the Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Rescue Sindh, and volunteers, who risked their lives to save others.
To oversee the rescue operation, the Deputy Commissioner South formed six teams comprising 30 officers on the directives of the Karachi Commissioner. Each team includes assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars to supervise relief efforts. According to the DC South, a list of 39 individuals who reported to the help desk has been compiled, and the location of 31 missing persons has been traced to Gul Plaza.
Meanwhile, 36-year-old firefighter Furqan Ali was martyred after being trapped under debris while protecting the lives and property of citizens.