Rescue teams recovered additional bodies from a devastating fire at a shopping plaza in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, raising the death toll to at least 15, while around 65 people remain missing, officials said on Monday.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control at the multistory Gul Plaza late Sunday, nearly 24 hours after it broke out, enabling rescuers to enter the building. Authorities warned that the number of casualties could increase as search operations continue, reports UNB.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah told a press briefing that teams were still searching for survivors and bodies trapped inside the structure. He confirmed that one of the victims was a firefighter and announced that the government would provide Tk 10 million Pakistani rupees as compensation to the family of each deceased person.
According to Dr Abid Jalal Sheikh, Karachi’s chief rescue officer, the fire spread rapidly through shops that stored highly flammable items, including cosmetics, garments and plastic products.
Relatives of the missing gathered outside the charred plaza on Monday, anxiously awaiting information. Qaiser Ali said his daughter, daughter-in-law and sister were inside the building when the fire erupted on Saturday. He said he remained in contact with them by phone until Sunday, after which all communication stopped.
“I don’t know what has happened to them or whether they are alive,” Ali told The Associated Press. “We are praying that everyone missing comes out safely.”
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. Police said an investigation is underway.