The tragic aftermath of a catastrophic shopping centre fire in Karachi, Pakistan, has deepened as recovery efforts have uncovered the remains of dozens more victims, pushing the confirmed death toll to a staggering 67 individuals. This devastating update marks a significant increase from the previously reported figure of 34 fatalities, highlighting the scale of the disaster that has gripped the nation.
Recovery Efforts and Identification Challenges
Rescue teams have been tirelessly combing through the charred wreckage of the multi-storey Gul Plaza in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, where the inferno was finally extinguished late last Sunday. The blaze, which raged for nearly 24 hours, has left the building largely reduced to ash and debris, complicating recovery operations.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed provided a grim assessment, stating that most of the remains have been discovered in fragments, making identification an extremely difficult and painstaking process. She confirmed that 67 deaths have been officially recorded, with rescue personnel continuing their search for any further victims amidst the ruins.
Investigation into the Fire's Origin
Investigators have noted that the fire erupted during a time when most shop owners were either closing for the day or had already departed, potentially limiting the number of people inside. The Sindh provincial government reported that approximately 70 individuals went missing as the flames spread rapidly, fueled by combustible goods such as cosmetics, clothing, and plastic household items stored within the centre.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under active investigation, preliminary indications from police suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. This has raised urgent questions about electrical safety standards in the area.
Historical Context of Fire Disasters in Karachi
This incident is not an isolated tragedy for Karachi, a city with a troubling history of deadly fires. Many buildings across Karachi and wider Pakistan lack adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems, contributing to recurrent disasters.
- In November 2023, a fire at another shopping centre in Karachi resulted in 10 fatalities and 22 injuries.
- In 2012, a massive blaze at a garment factory in the city claimed the lives of 260 people, one of the deadliest industrial fires in the country's history.
These past incidents underscore a persistent pattern of fire safety failures, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and emergency preparedness measures to prevent future catastrophes.
The community and authorities are now grappling with the immense loss, as families await news of their loved ones and the city reflects on the urgent need for improved safety protocols to safeguard its residents.
