KARACHI, Pakistan: The death toll from a massive fire at a major shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, rose to 71 after rescuers found the remains of another four bodies on Friday (Jan 23), an official said, Anadolu Ajansi reported.
Dr Summaiya Syed, Karachi’s chief police surgeon, told Anadolu that of the 71 bodies recovered, only 20 have so far been identified, as most were badly charred.
She said the final death toll could only be determined once the identification of the remains is completed, as search efforts entered the seventh day on Friday, with dozens still missing.
Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, told reporters the search and rescue operation is in its final stage and is expected to conclude on Friday.
Sindh Governor, Kamran Khan Tessori, has called for a judicial inquiry into the fire, saying those responsible “should be identified and punished without delay”.
The fire broke out on Saturday at the Gul Plaza shopping centre on MA Jinnah Road, a busy commercial artery in Karachi’s historic business district.
Flames burned for more than 24 hours before firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.
Gul Plaza houses around 1,200 shops, including outlets selling clothing, electrical appliances, cosmetics and crockery.
Officials said the presence of highly flammable goods contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the fire. – BERNAMA-ANADOLU
