KARACHI: Following the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, police medical officer Dr. Samia Tariq at Civil Hospital revealed on Thursday that only 15 bodies have been identified to date.
In her statement to the media, Dr. Tariq explained that out of these 15 victims, seven bodies were found to be largely intact and clearly recognizable. Additionally, one individual was identified through their national identification card.
The remaining seven victims were identified through DNA testing, she added. However, the severe burning and damage to many remains have posed significant challenges for identification, with some bodies being too badly charred for visual recognition.
Samples for DNA analysis have been forwarded to the Sindh Forensic Laboratory for confirmation. To aid the identification process, authorities have also gathered anthropological data from relatives of the missing persons, alongside DNA samples, to improve accuracy despite the condition of the remains.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue at Gul Plaza, especially after authorities found a large number of bodies in a single shop, which has significantly increased the death toll from the incident.
Officials reported that approximately 30 bodies were recovered from one shop during ongoing operations. The Deputy Commissioner of South Karachi mentioned that rescue teams remain active on the ground, with all relevant agencies on high alert.
The Additional Inspector General of Karachi confirmed the recovery of the bodies, while police have stated that the overall death count has risen to 63. The police also reported that the victims’ bodies were found in a severely burned state inside Dubai Crockery, a shop situated within Gul Plaza.
