Fire at Karachi shopping mall: 30 bodies found in a single shop

Karachi, Pakistan – Rescue teams have recovered at least 30 bodies from the charred remains of a single shop following a devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi on Wednesday. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Karachi South, Syed Asad Raja, the victims were found inside a store on the mezzanine floor called ‘Dubai Crockery’.

DIG Raja told reporters, “Earlier on the day of the fire, three bodies had already been recovered, increasing the death toll from 28 to 31. Subsequent recovery from the burnt shop suggests that the total number of casualties could rise to around 61.” He cautioned, however, that official confirmation would only be possible once DNA tests are completed.

The fire reportedly broke out on Saturday, 17 January. Dry weather conditions allowed the flames to spread rapidly throughout the market. The intensity of the blaze was so severe that fire service personnel required more than 24 hours to bring it under control.

Local residents and shop owners had earlier warned that the store could have been crowded. DIG Raja explained, “According to the last communication, the victims believed they were safe and expected the fire to be contained. Tragically, smoke inhalation claimed their lives while they waited.”

A preliminary investigation has ruled out sabotage, with no evidence of foul play discovered to date. Rasheed, a nearby resident, informed reporters that the store had extended opening hours until 2 a.m. to accommodate a special discount for the wedding season, though it usually closes by 10 p.m.

The three-storey building housed approximately 1,200 shops, and parts of the plaza collapsed due to the fire. The blaze was finally brought under control on Sunday, more than 24 hours later. However, residual flames re-emerged on Monday, prompting renewed firefighting efforts.

The Sindh government-appointed inquiry committee, led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Nakvi, visited the damaged site along with Additional IG Azad Khan. Speaking to the media, the commissioner stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. While adjacent Rimpa Plaza sustained some damage, it has not been deemed structurally unsafe. Both officials noted that fire safety measures in the affected building were not up to international standards.

Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) official Jafar Khan confirmed that despite extreme heat, fire teams continue to clear the rubble and are attempting to recover bodies trapped under the debris. Khan emphasised that claims of delayed firefighting response are unfounded, citing immediate deployment of three fire tenders on receiving the alert.

Key Details of Gul Plaza Fire:

Authorities continue to work under challenging conditions, clearing debris, stabilising the structure, and attempting to recover remaining victims while investigating the precise cause of the tragic blaze.