KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) – The tragic death toll from a catastrophic fire at a shopping plaza in Karachi has risen to 67, with authorities confirming the recoveries of remains of additional victims. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed stated that rescue operations are ongoing at the severely damaged Gul Plaza, where the fire started on Saturday. Initial reports had put the death toll at 34 but the grim tally has now doubled as search teams continue to comb through the wreckage.

Identification of the deceased has proven challenging due to the fragmented nature of the remains. Asad Raza, a senior police official in Karachi, echoed the confirmed figure of 67 fatalities. The fire erupted during a time when many shop owners were in the process of closing their establishments or had already departed for the day. The Sindh provincial government indicated that approximately 70 individuals are still unaccounted for, following the rapid spread of flames that were intensified by combustible materials present in the shops, including cosmetics, clothing, and plastic household items.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with law enforcement suggesting that a possible short circuit may have ignited the blaze. The incident has drawn attention to Karachi’s troubling history of deadly fires, frequently attributed to inadequate safety measures, lax enforcement of regulatory standards, and unauthorized construction practices.

In a troubling backdrop, Karachi has witnessed numerous fire tragedies, including a shopping mall fire in November 2023 that resulted in 10 deaths and 22 injuries. One of the most devastating industrial fires in Pakistan’s history occurred in 2012 when a garment factory blaze led to the deaths of at least 260 individuals, underscoring the critical need for improved fire safety regulations and enforcement in the region.

The recent disaster highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety and the enforcement of building codes in Karachi. As rescue operations continue, families of the missing await news, while the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event. The collapses and devastation at Gul Plaza serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unsafe building practices and the dire need for comprehensive safety reforms in Pakistan.