Karachi: Rescue and fire brigade operations are ongoing at Gul Plaza. So far, the ground floor and first floor have been completely cleared. Authorities say search efforts are still underway.
The Deputy Commissioner of Karachi South, Javed Nabi Khoso, confirmed that two floors affected by the fire have been cleared. He said rescue teams are now trying to enter the second and third floors.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, cutters are being used to break iron grills to gain access. Rescue teams are facing difficulties due to blocked entry points.
Officials reported that two more bodies were recovered overnight. This brings the total death toll to 26, while 83 people are still reported missing.
Police Surgeon Dr. Samia said that 20 bodies have been shifted to Civil Hospital so far. Samples from 14 bodies have been collected, and seven victims have already been identified.
She added that 48 DNA samples have been taken from victims’ families. All samples have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory for testing.
DNA tests will be conducted at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. Some human remains recovered from the site are also being examined.
Shocking Revelations by Shopkeepers
Affected shopkeepers revealed that the building has 26 entry and exit gates. Every night at 10 pm, 24 gates are locked, leaving only two open.
They said there was no emergency exit available in the building. The fire spread rapidly, filling the entire market with thick smoke.
Shopkeepers stated that electricity was cut off during the fire. Due to darkness and smoke, people could not see or understand what was happening.
Many workers and customers were present in the market at the time of the incident. Panic spread quickly, making evacuation extremely difficult.
According to shopkeepers, several people collapsed and lost consciousness shortly after the fire started. Many victims were rescued by shopkeepers themselves before emergency teams arrived.
:**Gul Plaza fire in Karachi leaves 26 dead as two floors are cleared. Rescue teams continue searching for 83 missing people.){kind=link}