Inferno at Gul Plaza Karachi Leaves City in Shock
Inferno at Gul Plaza Karachi Leaves City in Shock
The Gul Plaza fire Karachi has turned into one of the city’s most devastating urban disasters, with the death toll climbing to 14 and over 60 people still missing, even after the blaze was fully extinguished more than 35 hours after it began. Rescue teams continue battling time, smoke, and unstable concrete as fears grow that the toll from the Gul Plaza fire Karachi tragedy may rise further.
Authorities confirmed that all recovered bodies were unrecognizable, forcing officials to begin DNA testing to identify victims—an agonizing wait for grieving families.
Death Toll Rises, Identification Through DNA Begins
Rescue officials confirmed that 14 bodies, including that of a firefighter, have been recovered from the ruins of Gul Plaza. Eight bodies were found during the latest phase of the search, while five severed human organs were shifted to the morgue for forensic examination.
According to the Edhi Foundation, all remains have been moved to Amanat Edhi cold storage, as DNA profiling becomes the only way to establish identities after the intense heat of the Gul Plaza fire Karachi incident.
The Deputy Commissioner (South) stated that the last known location of 31 missing persons was inside Gul Plaza, underscoring the gravity of the ongoing search.
Over 60 Still Missing as Time Runs Out
Despite the fire being brought under control, around 60 people remain missing, intensifying fears that many may still be trapped beneath collapsed floors and debris.
Rescue officials warned that time is critically running out, as structural instability repeatedly slowed operations during the night. The Gul Plaza fire Karachi rescue mission will continue until every missing individual is accounted for.
Fire Reignites Amid Collapse Fears
Even after containment, the fire reignited multiple times on the ground and third floors, forcing firefighters to temporarily halt cooling operations when the building shook under stress.
Authorities confirmed:
- Ground and mezzanine floors completely destroyed
- Upper two floors reduced to ashes
- 60% of the structure collapsed
- Remaining 40% critically damaged
Rescue teams warned that the building could collapse at any moment, posing extreme danger to firefighters and search personnel working inside the Gul Plaza fire Karachi wreckage.
Massive Emergency Response Mobilized
A large-scale emergency operation remains underway:
- 22 fire tenders
- 15 water bowsers
- 3 snorkels
- Multiple ambulances and heavy machinery
Rescue 1122, Pakistan ambulances, Rangers, police, and civil administration teams are on site. The Pakistan Army and Frontier Works Organization (FWO) have deployed heavy machinery from the rear of the building to clear debris.
A special engineering team from the 25 Mechanized Division remains on high alert, while 5 Corps Headquarters continues support operations.
Injured Treated, Area Sealed
Officials confirmed that 40 people were injured, most of whom have been discharged after medical treatment. The surrounding area has been sealed off, with only rescue personnel and law enforcement allowed access.
A complaint camp has been set up nearby to assist victims’ families seeking information about missing loved ones.
Governor Orders Probe, Demands Accountability
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, accompanied by Farooq Sattar, visited the site and reviewed rescue efforts. The governor announced a formal investigation into delays in controlling the fire.
“Like a common citizen, I am also asking questions,” he said, stressing that accountability must not turn into political point-scoring while lives remain at risk inside the building.
Rescue Operation to Continue
Authorities reiterated that search and rescue operations will not stop until the fire is fully neutralized and all debris cleared. Only then will large-scale recovery efforts begin to locate any remaining victims of the Gul Plaza fire Karachi catastrophe.
As Karachi waits in anguish, rescue teams continue their perilous mission—against flames, smoke, and collapsing concrete—in a desperate fight to save lives and uncover the truth behind this deadly disaster.