In Pakistan, the death toll in the Gul Plaza shopping mall fire in Karachi climbed to 26, while over 70 remain missing.
Rescue officials said teams recovered mortal remains of three people, including a child, during the rescue operation. The Karachi Commissioner said the death toll could surge to over 50. Efforts are underway to remove debris and fully extinguish the fire. People have slammed the Sindh government and the Karachi Mayor for the delay in the action.
The blaze broke out late Saturday night at the multi-storey mall on M.A. Jinnah Road and took more than 24 hours to bring under control. Firefighters and rescuers continued clearing debris on Monday amid fears that dozens may still be trapped inside the gutted building.
Rescue workers recovered two more bodies, including that of a child, from Karachi’s Gul Plaza on Monday, raising the death toll from the deadly inferno to 26.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza said that six bodies had so far been identified, with identification of others only possible after DNA tests.
He added that 69 have been reported missing so far. DIG Raza stated that the last known location of 32 missing individuals was traced to Gul Plaza, adding that the situation around the building, including at Rimpa Plaza, was under control, Geo tv reported.
Fire brigade officials later confirmed that a blaze had reignited on the third floor, as rescue and firefighting operations continued
Karachi South DIG Syed Asad Raza said on Monday that eight additional bodies were recovered since Sunday night, confirming that the firefighting phase has ended and cooling and debris removal operations are underway with support from the KMC, TMC and Pakistan Navy, Dawn news reported.