Death toll rises to 26 in Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire; 81 still missing | VIDEO

Karachi (Pakistan): At least 26 people have been confirmed dead, while as many as 81 remain missing after a devastating fire engulfed Gul Plaza, a multi-storey commercial complex on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi. The blaze has left the building structurally unstable and unsafe for public access, ARY News reported.

Officials said the fire, which broke out around 10 pm on January 17, was brought under control after nearly 34 hours. Rescue and recovery efforts, however, continue amid concerns over further structural collapse. Search operations are being conducted cautiously with support from the Army, Rangers and the civil administration, as engineers assess the extent of damage.

DIG South confirmed that 26 bodies have so far been recovered from the site. Of these, six victims have been identified, while the remaining bodies will be identified through DNA analysis. Police said 69 people were initially reported missing, with the last known location of 32 traced to Gul Plaza. However, the missing persons desk at the Deputy Commissioner’s office later revised the figure to 81, based on complaints filed by families, ARY News reported.
 

Authorities have begun collecting DNA samples, with relatives of 18 victims already submitting samples to assist in identification. Officials said the situation in and around Gul Plaza and the adjoining Rampa Plaza remains under control. All entry points have been sealed, and only authorised rescue personnel are permitted inside the premises.

Rescue teams are accessing the fire-damaged structure through rear entrances, while heavy machinery is being deployed to remove debris and create safer routes for search operations. Families of the missing have been urged to stay in touch with the DC office helpline for updates, ARY News reported.

Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, pointing to serious safety lapses. One survivor, Zubair, said that although Gul Plaza has 26 gates, 24 were locked after 10 pm, leaving only two exits. “Darkness and thick smoke made it impossible to escape,” he said, adding that more than 20 people were inside his shop at the time.

Another shopkeeper said he entered the building to rescue those trapped inside, pulling out several people who were unconscious. He alleged there were no emergency exits and that locked gates turned the building into a “death trap”.

Officials said Gul Plaza was originally constructed in 1980, with an additional floor added in 1998 after an 18-year gap. Over the years, the roof was converted into a parking area, while shops were allegedly built illegally in the original parking space. Although the additional floor was later regularised and a completion certificate issued in April 2003, questions have been raised about adherence to safety norms, ARY News reported.

Meanwhile, the Sindh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 10 million for the families of those killed. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said compensation would begin from Tuesday, calling the incident a major tragedy and stating that rescue teams were attempting access from multiple points.

ANI