Death toll rises to 71 as rescuers now retrieving only bones from Gul Plaza debris

The death toll in the Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi has risen to 71 with the officials saying 77 people were still missing and the rescue workers were now only managing to retrieve bones, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Investigators are yet to announce what caused the fire, six days after the blaze gutted the three-storey Gul Plaza on January 17.

"Post-mortem examinations of 71 bodies have been completed," said a local government spokesperson, adding that DNA analysis was ongoing.

Families have criticised the slow pace of the recovery operation, with more than 50 giving DNA samples in the hope of finding their missing relatives.

The provincial government was taking measures to ensure fire safety procedures were followed at malls and markets, he said without giving further details.

Police surgeon Dr Samia Tariq said the identification of 21 dead bodies has already completed. She said that six dead bodies were in complete shape, while one was recognized through CNIC. Dr Samia said that nine dead bodies were identified through DNA.

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that 45 samples were taken from different parts of the dead bodies. He said that 77 people were still missing.

Chief Firefighter said that Gul Plaza’s infrastructure has now become fragile. He further revealed that the fire was erupted again when a diesel tanker, which was placed on the floor of the plaza, was being removed. He said the search and rescue operation is continuing. 

Governor Tessori seeks judicial inquiry

Moreover, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced to write letters to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Sindh High Court to conduct a judicial inquiry into the incident.

Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi said that rescuers find no dead bodies, they are finding bones. 

He said that the search and rescue operation carried out under the supervision of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA) is heading towards a conclusion 

Neighbours offer help

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that traders from Dolmain Mall announced their intention to help traders from Gul Plaza and promised to provide suitable space free of cost to them to restart work.

The traders of Dolmain Mall said that they are with the traders of Gul Plaza in this hour of need.

The Sindh government has announced that it will give 10 million rupees to each family of the deceased. All 1,200 shopkeepers will also be compensated.

Fires are common in Karachi's markets and factories, which are known for their poor infrastructure, but a blaze on such a scale is rare.

Reporters: Usama Malik, Kavish Memon, and Rabail Saeed