At Least 23 Dead in Karachi Shopping Centre Fire, Dozens Missing

World

Rescuers have recovered the bodies of at least 23 people killed in a massive fire at the Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, with authorities fearing the toll could rise as 46 more people remain missing.

The fire engulfed the multi-storey building late on Sunday and was extinguished nearly 24 hours later. Firefighters struggled overnight as flames tore through shops storing cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods.

Most of the building had collapsed by Monday afternoon, with cranes surrounding the unstable structure amid safety concerns. Only six victims have been identified so far, while DNA testing will be needed for the rest, as bodies were described as "beyond recognition," according to police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Sye.

Among the victims was a firefighter, the Sindh provincial chief minister confirmed. 80 people were injured, 22 of whom have been discharged from hospitals. Families of the deceased will receive 10 million rupees (£82,000) in compensation.

Authorities continue to search for survivors and recover victims amid ongoing concerns over the building’s stability.