The death toll in the Gul Plaza tragedy has exceeded 50 after more bodies and human remains were recovered during ongoing search operations at the site.
Authorities say the final number of victims cannot yet be confirmed as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
According to Deputy Commissioner (South) Javed Khoso, the remains of approximately 20 to 25 people were recovered from a shop located on the mezzanine floor. The identification process is underway, and DNA samples from family members of missing persons have been sent to laboratories for verification.
Search teams are continuing operations with extreme caution, as several parts of the building remain structurally damaged. Debris removal is ongoing on the fifth day of the tragedy, with bodies still being discovered beneath the rubble.
Officials said the fire at Gul Plaza has been fully extinguished, but the aftermath has revealed heartbreaking details. Human organs were recovered from a shop on the ninth floor, and authorities fear that more victims may still be trapped under the debris.
50-60 human organs recovered so far
DIG South Asad Raza said remains of multiple bodies have been found, but it is not yet possible to confirm whether the bodies are complete. He added that reports suggest between 50 and 60 human organs have been recovered so far.
A shopkeeper from shop number 144 stated that around 17 people, including women, were present inside the shop at the time of the fire. He said the remains of about 10 individuals were recovered from that shop alone. Human teeth, skull fragments, and bones were found in the debris, while organs of those burned in the fire were recovered from a crockery shop.
Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed confirmed that only human organs have been brought to the Civil Hospital since the morning. She said at least 21 human organs were received during the day as recovery operations continued.
The Karachi additional inspector general and commissioner visited the site, while authorities have completely sealed Gul Plaza. The Bomb Disposal Squad also inspected the building and found no apparent evidence of sabotage.
Samples from the families of around 50 missing persons have been sent for DNA analysis, as officials continue efforts to identify victims and determine the full scale of the loss.
According to rescue sources, human organs, including teeth, skull fragments, and bones, were recovered from the debris of shop number 144, located on the ninth floor of the building.
Rescuers said remains of approximately 10 people have so far been recovered from the shop, while it is feared that as many as 17 people, including women, were present there at the time of the fire.
Rescue officials warned that more bodies may still be buried beneath the collapsed sections of the building. Human organs recovered from a crockery shop were collected in boxes and shifted carefully as part of the recovery process.
Complicated rescue work
Parts of Gul Plaza collapsed during the operation, creating serious difficulties for rescue teams. Javed Nabi, the deputy commissioner (South), said access to two portions of the building has become extremely difficult and confirmed that the structure will not be demolished until the search for all missing persons is completed.
Due to safety concerns, Rampa Plaza adjacent to Gul Plaza has been temporarily closed. Authorities said the decision was taken to protect lives and allow rescue teams to operate without additional risk.
Death toll rises
Rescue officials later confirmed that another body was recovered, taking the death toll to 33.
Fire Officer Zafar Khan told the media that teams from all institutions have been working day and night since the first day. He said the cooling process is still ongoing at two locations, while one section of the building has been cleared and two others remain to be searched.
Severe safety lapses
Zafar Khan said a fire safety audit conducted by Karachi Metropolitan Corporation revealed that only 5% of buildings have functional fire safety systems. He added that most buildings lack emergency exits and fire extinguishers, making rescue efforts extremely difficult during emergencies.
According to the fire officer, three fire tenders were dispatched immediately after the fire was reported around 10pm on Saturday. However, narrow roads, locked rooftop access, and chaos caused by shopkeepers pulling hoses to save their own shops severely affected rescue operations.
Identification and missing persons
Deputy Commissioner Khoso said 11 bodies have been identified so far, while 17 victims remain unidentified. He added that 85 people were initially reported missing, and an information desk has been set up to assist affected families.
The search operation has now entered its fifth day, with authorities claiming that nearly 70% of the rescue work has been completed. Searches are continuing in damaged and collapsed parts of the building, as well as in areas that could not be accessed earlier.
The Bomb Disposal Squad South also inspected the building. Samples from burnt material, walls, and floors were collected and sent for forensic analysis, with sources saying no evidence of sabotage has been found so far.
Final report awaited
Officials said the final report will be issued after forensic laboratory results are received. Authorities stressed that no hasty decisions, including demolition, will be taken until all missing persons are accounted for.
