Horrifying details emerged in Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire tragedy as rescue workers disclosed that several bodies were reduced to ashes and left beyond recognition.
Speaking to local media, a representative of a social welfare rescue organisation shared grim firsthand accounts from inside the fire-hit building.
He said that many victims were found in an advanced stage of decomposition after the blaze was brought partially under control.
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According to the rescue worker, in multiple cases only partial remains of the deceased were recovered. These included fragments such as hands and feet, while complete bodies were impossible to identify due to severe burning.
He explained that once firefighters managed to enter the building, rescue teams discovered bodies completely burnt. Some had disintegrated entirely due to the intensity of the fire, leaving behind only small fragments buried under debris and ash.
One of the most distressing discoveries, the rescue worker revealed, was the body of a very young child. The child, estimated to be between two-and-a-half and three years old, appeared to have died due to suffocation. Burn marks were observed on the child’s back, indicating exposure to intense heat.
READ: Karachi Gul Plaza Fire, Live Updates
Rescue officials confirmed that at least 21 bodies have been recovered from the Gul Plaza site so far. However, conflicting figures were later shared by the administration as recovery efforts enters third day.
Deputy Commissioner Karachi South, Javed Nabi Khoso, told the media that detailed search operations would be carried out inside the fire-damaged building on Tuesday.
He stated that 20 bodies had been recovered so far, out of which 18 have been identified, while identification of the remaining victims is ongoing.
The DC further disclosed that the official list of missing persons has now reached 83 individuals, increasing fears that the death toll may rise further.
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He added that rescue and search operations are still underway, but progress remains slow due to severe structural damage. According to officials, nearly 40 per cent of the Gul Plaza building has collapsed.
Experts from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) warned that the remaining structure is extremely fragile and poses a serious risk.
Authorities have urged traders and the public to cooperate with the administration and strictly avoid entering the designated red zone.
