At least 15 people have died following a massive fire at the multi-storey Gul Plaza in Karachi, officials said on Monday, as rescuers continued searching for around 65 people reported missing.
The blaze, which broke out late on Saturday, spread rapidly through shops selling cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods, according to Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, the city’s chief rescue officer. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire late on Sunday, nearly 24 hours after it began, allowing rescue teams to enter the building and recover those trapped inside.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that four bodies were recovered overnight, raising the official death toll to at least 10. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that five bodies had been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi, while local media cited the total deaths at 14, reflecting ongoing recovery operations.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Sunday night that families had reported about 60 people missing, prompting authorities to launch an extensive search operation. Some relatives of the missing gathered outside the plaza on Monday, anxiously awaiting updates.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed described the blaze as massive, saying it caused severe structural damage to the building. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and police have launched an investigation.
Karachi has a history of deadly fires, often linked to poor safety standards and unauthorized construction. In November 2023, a fire at a local shopping mall killed 10 people and injured 22. In 2012, a garments factory fire claimed 260 lives.
The Sindh government and local emergency services are coordinating efforts to recover any remaining victims and provide support to affected families. Rescue teams continue to work amid unstable conditions inside the badly damaged plaza.
Officials have urged building owners and shopkeepers to comply with fire safety regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future. The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in Karachi’s crowded commercial areas.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to release more details regarding the cause of the fire and the identities of the victims. Families of those still missing continue to wait anxiously for news, highlighting the human toll of the tragedy.
