The death toll from the massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping centre, located at the MA Jinnah Road, has climbed to 26 on Monday, out of which 18 bodies, including that of a firefighter, have been identified.
Twenty-two people were also injured in the Gul Plaza inferno that was brought under control after 33 hours, while more than 70 people are still reported missing. Due to the horrific blaze, the building was reduced to ashes. Several sections multi-storey building collapsed, pillars were weakened, and concerns arose that the remaining structure could collapse at any time.
Rescue personnel continued search and rescue operations inside the affected building, while debris removal process is also underway. Meanwhile, an inquiry committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Karachi Commissioner. The DNA samples for the identification of recovered bodies have been sent to the DNA laboratory at the University of Karachi.