The deadly Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi has entered its final phase as officials warn that the building’s structure is rapidly deteriorating and no intact human remains are being found anymore.
Fire Officer Zafar Khan said the structural condition of Gul Plaza is worsening day by day. He confirmed that human remains are no longer being recovered from the rubble and that only bones are now being found.
He added that apart from the bodies already recovered, nothing else remains to be retrieved from the site.
Fire reignites, brought under control
Providing details of the latest developments, Zafar Khan said that strong winds caused a fire to break out again in the basement of Gul Plaza a day earlier. Firefighters battled the blaze for four hours before successfully bringing it under control.
He reiterated that the building has become increasingly unsafe, making rescue and debris removal operations more challenging.
According to the fire officer, work to remove debris from the first floor and mezzanine floor will now begin. He stressed that no intact human remains are being found at this stage.
Zafar Khan repeated that apart from bodies and skeletal remains, there is nothing else left to recover in the ongoing operation.
67 bodies recovered, 77 still listed as missing
During a media briefing in Karachi, Fire Officer Zafar Khan confirmed that 67 bodies have been recovered from the site so far. He said no further bodies are expected to be found.
However, 77 people are still officially listed as missing, and search efforts for any individuals possibly trapped under the debris are continuing.
The search operation at Gul Plaza continued for the seventh consecutive day, with authorities accelerating efforts. Officials said there is a strong possibility that the search operation will be completed today.
According to Rescue 1122, teams are working to conclude both search and rescue activities as soon as possible.
Compensation process begins
Rescue officials also confirmed that the process of issuing compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy has begun. Authorities said the relief process is being carried out alongside the ongoing search operation.
Families of the deceased have been assured of continued support from the administration.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa said 67 bodies and human remains have been sent from Gul Plaza. He expressed hope that the search operation would be completed today.
He added that DNA testing of some recovered remains is still underway. While 77 people remain on the missing list, he said it is unlikely that additional names will be added.
Building declared highly unsafe
Officials have once again warned that the structure of Gul Plaza has become extremely unsafe. Fire Officer Zafar Khan said debris removal will continue cautiously on the upper floors.
He emphasized that apart from bodies and skeletal remains, nothing else remains to be recovered from the site.
