Death Toll in Karachi Shopping Plaza Fire Rises to 67 as Recovery Efforts Continue
Police and hospital officials in Pakistan have confirmed that the death toll from a catastrophic fire at a shopping plaza in the southern port city of Karachi has risen sharply to 67. The updated figure comes after recovery teams discovered the remains of dozens more individuals within the severely damaged structure.
Recovery Operations and Identification Challenges
Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon involved in the operation, stated that rescue teams are still conducting searches at Gul Plaza, where the blaze initially erupted on Saturday. She explained that most of the remains were found in fragmented conditions, which has made the process of identification exceptionally difficult for authorities.
Despite these challenges, officials have now confirmed the deaths of 67 people, a significant increase from the previously reported figure of 34 fatalities. Senior police official Asad Raza in Karachi has also verified this updated death toll, underscoring the scale of the tragedy.
Timing and Missing Persons
Investigators report that the fire broke out during a period when most shop owners were either closing their businesses for the day or had already departed the premises. The rapid spread of the flames was exacerbated by the presence of highly combustible materials, including cosmetics, clothing, and various plastic household items stored within the plaza.
Following the incident, the Sindh provincial government indicated that approximately 70 people were reported missing, highlighting the confusion and devastation caused by the fast-moving fire.
Investigation and Historical Context of Fires in Karachi
The exact cause of the fire remains under active investigation by authorities. Preliminary indications from police suggest that a short circuit may have been the initial trigger for the blaze, though this has not been officially confirmed.
This tragedy adds to Karachi's long and troubling history of deadly fires, which are frequently attributed to a combination of factors:
- Poor safety standards and inadequate fire prevention measures
- Weak enforcement of existing building regulations and safety codes
- Illegal construction practices that compromise structural integrity
This incident follows other recent fire disasters in the city, including a shopping mall fire in November 2023 that resulted in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries. One of Pakistan's most devastating industrial disasters occurred in 2012 when a garment factory fire claimed at least 260 lives, drawing international attention to workplace safety issues.
As recovery operations continue and investigations proceed, questions are being raised about regulatory oversight and fire safety preparedness in commercial buildings throughout Karachi and wider Pakistan.
