KARACHI: The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire rose to 15 on Monday. Rescue teams recovered nine more bodies from the debris. Firefighting resumed after flames reappeared from smouldering rubble.
The blaze broke out late Saturday night at the shopping mall on M.A. Jinnah Road. Firefighters extinguished it after more than 24 hours on Sunday. Authorities then launched a search amid fears of more casualties.
Officials initially suspected an electrical short circuit. They said the exact cause remains unconfirmed. Investigations are still underway.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan said teams controlled 95 per cent of the fire. He said the cooling phase has started. Flames, however, continue to emerge from some areas.
South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khosa confirmed the cooling process was ongoing. Fire Officer Zafar Khan earlier said 90 per cent of the fire was under control. He warned flames persisted in the inner market.
Zafar said parts of the building had collapsed. Cracks have appeared inside the structure. He called the site extremely dangerous for rescuers.
Rescue 1122 COO Dr Abid Jalal said operations restarted from the Rimpa Plaza side. He said debris continued to reignite. Firefighters focused on preventing further spread.
South DIG Syed Asad Raza said rescuers recovered 15 bodies so far. He added DNA samples from eight family members had been collected. Authorities are using them for identification.
DIG Raza said the fire safety operation was complete. Cooling and debris removal are now underway. KMC, TMC, and Pakistan Navy personnel are assisting.
He also revealed serious safety lapses. The plaza had 16 gates in total. Only three exits were open during the fire.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said five bodies reached Civil Hospital Karachi. Several others remain unidentifiable. Officials expect the toll to rise.
CM vows reconstruction and compensation
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met traders’ representatives on Monday. He pledged immediate rehabilitation of affected businesses. He announced the reconstruction of Gul Plaza.
The CM formed a committee on compensation and rehabilitation. He ordered a forensic inquiry to determine the fire’s cause. Officials warned the death toll could exceed 50.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed the meeting. He said 16 fire tenders and bowsers fought the blaze. Around 60 firefighters took part.
KWSC supplied 431,000 gallons of water. Rescue 1122 ambulances reached the site within six minutes. A total of 24 rescue vehicles joined the operation.
Scores still missing
The Sindh government set up a helpline for missing persons in Gul Plaza fire. Officials urged families to report details immediately. Traders said over 40 shopkeepers and workers are missing.
Governor Kamran Tessori said more than 70 people remain unaccounted for. He termed the incident a national tragedy. He expressed concern over reports of a trapped pregnant woman.
Families shared painful stories outside the site. Relatives said phones rang for hours before going dead. Many still await news of loved ones.
Traffic diversion and reactions
Traffic police closed M.A. Jinnah Road from Tibet Centre to Garden Chowk. They issued alternate routes for commuters. The closure will continue during recovery work.
Foreign missions expressed grief over the tragedy. UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott said she was heartbroken. German and French officials also offered condolences.
Criticism over delayed response
Traders blamed delayed firefighting for the devastation. Residents said water shortages worsened the situation. They criticised authorities for a slow and weak response.
Shopkeepers said a faster operation could have saved lives. They questioned the absence of senior officials during the crisis. Many demanded accountability and reforms.