A heartbreaking development emerged during the ongoing search operation at Gul Plaza, where rescue teams recovered human organs and remains from the rubble of a burnt shop, deepening the tragedy of one of Karachi’s deadliest fire incidents in recent years.
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.
