Karachi: Gul Plaza fire completely extinguished after 33 hours; 4 more bodies recovered from burned building, death toll reaches 14, while 22 injured are under treatment.
Rescue officials stated that during search operations, body parts of 3 people including a child were found, while 5 bodies are unidentified.
Chief Fire Officer said cooling operations continue at the plaza; windows are being cut with cutters, and walls are being demolished with hammers. He stated the building is extremely unstable—staying inside for long is not risk-free. They conduct rescue work at safe spots and immediately exit.
He said firefighters successfully entered the building on Sunday night during rescue operations due to the possibility of someone trapped on the third floor. Rescue workers conducted limited search operations in burned shops, calling out to search for life, and thermal cameras were installed at the incident site. Body parts of 3 people including a child were found; human remains have been transferred to Civil Hospital Trauma Center.
Police said they have obtained mobile numbers of missing persons from families; last locations of 26 people’s phones trace to Gul Plaza.
Governor Sindh: Over 70 missing is tragic
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori said over 70 people missing is tragic—no one wants fires or businesses destroyed; we need to identify fire causes. Speaking to media at Gul Plaza, he said he will stand with them until compensation is provided and will discuss with Sindh and federal governments.
Mayor Karachi: Cannot give timeline for cooling completion
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab revisited Gul Plaza and directed speeding up relief work. He said around 65 people are missing; crowds cause difficulties in relief operations—operations are also ongoing from behind the building. He cannot specify when full fire control and cooling will complete.
He clarified a call came at 10:27 PM Saturday night, and fire brigade arrived within 15 minutes—claims of delayed response are incorrect.
Yesterday, people at the site protested Murtaza Wahab’s arrival and raised slogans, but the Mayor said the public is emotional and he understands their grief.
Markets closed today in mourning
President Electronics Dealers Association Rizwan Irfan announced markets will remain closed today in mourning to show solidarity with Gul Plaza shopkeepers. He said the fire caused billions in losses; shopkeepers and workers remain trapped in the building.
