Rescue workers recover 30 bodies from Gul Plaza shop, death toll rises to 61

The search and rescue operation is ongoing at Gul Plaza in Karachi, which was devastated by a massive fire, as 30 more bodies have been recovered from the mezzanine floor, raising the death toll to 61.

According to DIG South Asad Raza, shopkeepers had earlier indicated the presence of people on the mezzanine floor.

He confirmed that all 30 bodies were found inside a single crockery shop. He added that debris removal has been temporarily suspended and priority is being given to the recovery of bodies.

Police officials stated that following the outbreak of the fire, several people locked themselves inside shops in an attempt to save their lives.

Mobile phone data later showed that the victims’ last known locations were traced to the same area.

Speaking to the media, crockery shop owner Salman said that they themselves recovered the remains of 14 individuals from the shop.

He explained that the shop was located on the mezzanine floor and that at the time of the incident, their cousins and employees were present. He added that a large number of women and other individuals were also inside the shop.

Police Surgeon Dr Samia said that so far, remains from two shops had been brought to Civil Hospital.

She clarified that it was not yet possible to confirm whether the recovered remains belonged to 21 separate bodies or fewer individuals, as only body remains had been received since the morning.

Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that three more victims have been identified, while 17 bodies remain unidentifiable.