Rescuers Search for Missing as Death Toll from Karachi Mall Fire Rises to 23



KARACHI, Pakistan — A devastating blaze that tore through a busy multistory shopping plaza in Karachi has claimed at least 23 lives, officials announced on Monday, as rescue teams continued their desperate search for scores of missing people believed trapped in the rubble. The inferno, which erupted late on Saturday night at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall, one of the city’s most bustling commercial complexes, left families in anguish and authorities scrambling to account for dozens yet unlocated.

The fire, which ignited in the crowded plaza — home to more than 1,200 shops selling garments, cosmetics, plastics and household goods — quickly spread with ferocious intensity, fueled by flammable merchandise and poor internal ventilation. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 24 hours before finally bringing it under control late Sunday, only to face the grim task of combing through the charred remains for survivors and victims.

Death Toll Continues to Climb

By Monday afternoon, rescue workers had recovered at least 23 bodies from the badly damaged structure, a figure that authorities expect will rise as the search continues. Many of the remains were found in severely burned or unrecognizable condition, requiring forensic teams to collect DNA samples from relatives to assist in identification. So far, only a handful of the recovered bodies have been positively identified.

City police chief Asad Raza said the official list of missing persons currently stands at approximately 46, although family members and local reports suggest the actual number could be higher. Relatives of those unaccounted for have been anxiously gathering outside the site, sharing increasingly desperate accounts of last communication with loved ones who entered the mall that fateful evening.

One such relative, Qaiser Ali, recounted that his wife, daughter‑in‑law and sister were all inside the mall shopping for an upcoming wedding when the fire broke out. He told reporters that he had spoken to them by phone early on Sunday before contact abruptly ceased. “I don’t know what has happened to them or whether they are alive,” he said, holding onto hope amid mounting uncertainty.

Challenges in Rescue and Recovery Operations

The rescue and recovery operation has been hampered by extremely hazardous conditions inside the building. Sections of the plaza have partially collapsed, and unstable debris continues to pose major risks to rescue personnel. Thick smoke still lingers within the structure’s depths, forcing teams to proceed cautiously with heavy machinery and specialized search equipment.

Fire and emergency services, including police, medical teams and volunteers, have been working around the clock to scour each floor. The search has been painstaking — often requiring careful removal of rubble to avoid further collapses and to increase the likelihood of locating any survivors. Authorities have pledged that the operation will continue until every missing person has been accounted for, whether alive or dead.

Government Response and Public Outcry

In the wake of the disaster, provincial officials have expressed both grief and determination. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressed the media on Monday, offering condolences and pledging support to the affected families. He confirmed that government compensation of 10 million rupees (approximately $36,000 USD) would be provided to the families of each confirmed deceased victim.

City Mayor Murtaza Wahab echoed the commitment, stating that municipal services and emergency responders would remain at the site as long as needed. However, the public response has been one of frustration and anger, with many Karachi residents criticizing the perceived delay and inadequacy of the fire department’s initial response. Some witnesses said flames and smoke were visible for hours before rescue operations began in earnest.

Investigation into Causes and Safety Failures

At this stage, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Officials have not yet determined whether it was triggered by an electrical fault, negligence, or another factor entirely. Police have launched a formal inquiry, although investigators face challenges due to the extreme damage to key areas of the building.

The tragedy has also reignited debate about building safety in Karachi, a city long plagued by deadly fires. Experts and residents alike have pointed to lax enforcement of fire safety codes, locked or blocked emergency exits, and inadequate firefighting infrastructure as persistent problems that have contributed to past disasters. Similar incidents in recent years, including a 2023 mall fire that killed 10 people and a 2012 garment factory blaze that claimed more than 260 lives, have underscored systemic failures.

The Human Toll Beyond Numbers

For many families, the statistics represent shattered lives and uncertain futures. Shop owners who lost their livelihoods, workers who vanished without a trace, and loved ones still unaccounted for illustrate the deeply personal dimension of this calamity. Support groups and community volunteers have begun organizing relief efforts, providing food, shelter and emotional support to those affected.

As night fell on Monday, the charred skeleton of the Gul Plaza building served as a stark reminder of the risks that remain when safety protocols are ignored. For now, hopes of finding survivors have faded, but for the families of the missing, every passing hour is a struggle between hope and despair.

Looking Ahead

Officials have reiterated their commitment to uncovering the causes of this disaster and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Yet, many in Karachi believe that without fundamental reforms to fire safety enforcement, emergency response, and urban planning, such assurances may prove hollow. The search continues — not only for the missing, but for answers.

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Ifonit