Fire at a major shopping mall in Pakistan’s commercial capital of Karachi has claimed 60 lives, officials said on Wednesday, as search and recovery efforts continued for dozens of people who are still missing.
At least 30 bodies were recovered from a mezzanine-floor shop, according to Karachi South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza. He said the overall death toll was estimated at 61 following the latest discoveries, adding that the final figure would be confirmed after DNA analysis is completed.
Gul Plaza houses around 1,200 shops, including outlets selling clothing, electrical appliances, cosmetics, and crockery. Officials said the presence of highly flammable goods contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the fire.
Those who perished in the inferno included women and children. Flames burned for more than 24 hours before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.