Karachi shopping mall fire death toll 2026 hits 60 as 30 bodies found in one shop
The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has reached 60 after 30 bodies were found in one shop. Authorities cite poor safety standards as the cause.
Thirty bodies were discovered in a single shop. The death toll from the devastating blaze at Karachi's Gul Plaza Shopping Centre has risen to at least 60, following the grim recovery of dozens of victims from a mezzanine-floor store.
Karachi shopping mall fire death toll 2026: Search continues for the missing
According to Reuters and local officials, the latest discoveries were made at "Dubai Crockery." Victims reportedly locked themselves inside the shop to escape a stampede that broke out when the fire first erupted on Saturday. Syed Asad Raza, the Deputy Inspector General for Karachi South, confirmed the estimated toll at 61 after the most recent bodies were retrieved.
The situation remains dire as over 80 people are still missing. More than 50 families have provided DNA samples at the Civil Hospital Karachi to identify remains that are otherwise unrecognizable. Health official Summaiya Syed stated that remains would only be handed over once matches are confirmed.
Systemic safety failures under scrutiny
The tragedy has reignited fury over Pakistan's poor urban safety standards. Syed Hassan Naqvi, heading the inquiry committee, noted that the mall’s fire safety measures didn't meet international standards. This isn't an isolated incident; Karachi has a long history of industrial and commercial infernos caused by illegal construction and a lack of oversight.
| Year | Incident | Casualties |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Garments Factory Fire | 260 Dead |
| 2023 | Shopping Centre Fire | 10 Dead |
| 2026 | Gul Plaza Fire | 60+ Dead |
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