A fire tragedy in Karachi, Pakistan, has claimed the lives of 23 individuals, with more casualties feared as rescue efforts continue. The blaze, which broke out in a shopping plaza, was finally extinguished after nearly 24 hours, allowing rescue teams to search the heavily damaged building. Authorities are currently looking for 46 individuals who are still missing, according to city police chief Asad Raza.
As of now, only six bodies have been identified, with the remaining requiring DNA testing due to severe damage. Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon, mentioned that the bodies were unrecognizable, necessitating DNA samples from relatives for identification purposes. Local reports indicate that at least 26 people lost their lives in the fire.
During a press conference, Sindh provincial Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah revealed that rescue operations are ongoing to locate survivors and casualties. The tragic incident resulted in the death of a firefighter, and the government has pledged to provide 10 million rupees ($50,000 Cdn) in compensation to each family of the deceased.
Rescuers are facing challenges in reaching certain parts of the building due to extensive damage caused by the fire. Mayor Murtaza Wahab assured that the search and rescue mission will persist until all missing persons are found. The fire rapidly engulfed shops storing various items like cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods, as stated by Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, Karachi’s chief rescue officer.
Outside the burned-out plaza, anxious relatives of the missing individuals gathered, hoping for positive news. Qaiser Ali, one of the concerned family members, shared his ordeal of losing contact with his wife, daughter-in-law, and sister who were inside the building during the fire outbreak. Similarly, Saifur Rehman recounted his escape from the fire but expressed concern for his brother, who owns a shop in the plaza and remains unaccounted for.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with an ongoing investigation by the authorities. Karachi has a history of tragic fire incidents, often attributed to substandard safety measures and unauthorized constructions. The city witnessed a deadly fire in a shopping mall in November 2023, resulting in fatalities and injuries. Another devastating fire at a garment factory in 2012 claimed the lives of 260 individuals in Karachi.