At least 23 people died in a massive fire that engulfed a shopping plaza in Karachi, Pakistan, officials said Monday. The blaze erupted late Saturday at Gul Plaza, a multi-story complex housing approximately 1,200 shops covering an area larger than a football field.
Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames,as videos circulated showing the building consumed by fire. Authorities fear the death toll will climb as they search for 46 people still unaccounted for, according to city police chief asad Raza.
Only six bodies have been identified so far,” Raza told The Associated Press. ”The rest will need DNA testing as the bodies were beyond recognition.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Sye confirmed the need for DNA identification. Sindh provincial Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that a firefighter was among those killed and that the government will provide 10 million rupees (about $36,000) in compensation to each family who lost a loved one.
The cause of the fire is under inquiry.
