Death toll climbs to 15 after deadly shopping plaza fire in Karachi

Rescue crews in Pakistan’s largest city recovered additional bodies from the ruins of a multi storey shopping plaza in Karachi, raising the confirmed death toll from a major fire to at least 15 as dozens of people remain unaccounted for. Officials warned the number of fatalities could still increase as search operations continue inside the damaged building.

Firefighters brought the blaze at Gul Plaza under control late Sunday, nearly a full day after it first erupted, allowing emergency teams to enter areas that had been inaccessible because of intense heat and smoke. Provincial authorities said around 65 people were initially reported missing, and some families were still waiting outside the charred structure for updates on their loved ones.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah told reporters that rescue teams were searching for both survivors and victims, confirming that one of those killed was a firefighter who had responded to the emergency. He announced the provincial government would provide compensation of 10 million Pakistani rupees to the families of each person who died in the fire.

City rescue officials said the flames spread rapidly through shops storing cosmetics, clothing and plastic products, making it difficult for people to escape. Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, Karachi’s chief rescue officer, said the presence of flammable materials contributed to the intensity of the blaze.

Among those waiting for news was Qaiser Ali, who said his daughter, daughter in law and sister were inside the plaza when the fire broke out on Saturday. He said he remained in contact with them by phone until Sunday, when all communication suddenly stopped.