The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening, destroyed most of the building. PHOTO: REUTERS
The death toll following a massive fire at Gul Plaza mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has risen to 26, while the number of missing people has reached 83, officials said on Tuesday. The fire, which broke out on Saturday evening, destroyed most of the building. Rescue teams continue to remove debris and recover bodies.
According to Express Newsrescuers entered the building after approximately 40 hours and began search operations. The search on the first floor has been completed and teams are now searching the second floor for survivors or bodies. During the operation, the fire briefly flared up again on the second floor, prompting firefighters to spray water before bringing it under control.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh said teams had accessed most parts of the building and search and rescue operations were underway. Due to the darkness inside the mall, rescuers use torches to search for people. Human body parts were found inside and recovery of the bodies continues.
Karachi Mayor’s lawyer Murtaza Wahab visited the scene late at night to supervise the rescue operation. He ordered authorities to carry out the operation at all costs and accelerate efforts to locate the victims. “All departments of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation will remain on alert until all the missing persons are traced and the rescue operation is completed,” he said.
On instructions from the mayor, additional heavy equipment was brought in. Authorities began removing vehicles from the roof using cranes. Authorities said 32 vehicles have so far been safely stopped, including 16 cars, four Suzuki vans, 12 motorcycles and a rickshaw. The vehicles were returned to their owners in good condition.
Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi told reporters that 26 bodies had been found, of which 13 had been identified. DNA testing will be conducted to identify the remaining bodies. He said reports of 75 missing people had been officially recorded so far.
“The intensity of the fire was extremely high. I have never seen such a fire in my life,” Naqvi said. He added that a commission of inquiry had opened investigations and that evidence was being collected. “Our current focus is the rescue operation. If criminal negligence is found, strict action will be taken,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa said the Sindh Building Control Authority would decide whether the building should be demolished after the rescue operation was completed. He said removal of debris had started and families of over 70 missing persons had contacted the district administration. An assessment of the damage will be carried out later on instructions from the provincial government.
Authorities also arrested a trader who brought an excavator and drill to reach his store. Trader Rehmatullah said his goal was to create a path to his store, where his two nephews, a guest from Quetta and employees were present. Officials said drilling could endanger the building structure and immediately removed the machine.
One survivor, Khalid, said Express News he managed to escape by groping along the walls despite heavy smoke, but then lost consciousness and woke up in the hospital. “Those moments were like a struggle between life and death. There was smoke everywhere, people were screaming, then the power went out and nothing was visible,” he said. Khalid said several family members and workers were still inside and he was waiting outside the square for news of them.
Dr Abid Jalaluddin Sheikh, Director Operations of Rescue 1122, said three search operations were underway simultaneously at five identified points. A special team is engaged in firefighting and cooling to keep the site safe, while heavy machinery is used to clear debris. He said the building’s structure is severely damaged and there is a risk of collapse, making operations slow and highly technical.
Fire Chief Humayun Ahmed said the main fire had been completely extinguished and cooling work was underway. Previously, firefighters suspended operations at the rear of the building after hearing cracking sounds, fearing a collapse.
The fire broke out around 10:15 p.m. on Saturday in the famous shopping center. Despite the arrival of several fire trucks, the fire continued to spread, causing parts of the building to collapse.
