Death Toll Rises to At Least 14 in Karachi Mall Fire

Karachi Shopping Mall Fire: Death Toll Rises to 14, Search for Missing Continues

A fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi has resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, according to Pakistani authorities. The incident occurred on Saturday and continued for approximately 36 hours before firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Rescue personnel have recovered eight additional bodies since Sunday evening, bringing the total death toll to 14. Five more bodies were transported to a local hospital. Police are using mobile phone data to locate the whereabouts of 54-59 missing individuals, with family members being contacted for further information.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site on Monday and stated that “more than 70” people were reported missing. The governor described the incident as an “extremely alarming” tragedy, noting that it has become a national concern.

The fire is believed to have originated in one of the shops, but officials have not yet confirmed the cause. A police investigation is underway to determine the source of the blaze. Firefighters have resumed efforts to extinguish the flames, despite ongoing instability concerns about the building’s structural integrity.

Shopkeepers and residents reported that delays in responding to the fire and shortages of water and equipment hindered initial firefighting efforts. The incident has sparked anger among traders who claim their livelihoods have been severely impacted by the disaster.

Source: Al Jazeera