Death toll from Karachi mall fire rises above 60
The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, has risen to more than 60 after authorities recovered about 30 bodies from a single shop inside the building, according to officials.
The fire broke out Sunday at Gul Plaza, a large commercial complex in the city. Recovery and search operations were ongoing Wednesday as crews continued clearing debris from the fire-ravaged structure.
According to ARY News, police said around 30 bodies were found in a charred condition inside a shop identified as Dubai Crockery. Authorities said 14 victims have been identified so far, according to the police surgeon.
Earlier reports had put the death toll at at least 33, including a firefighter who died during rescue operations. Authorities had also reported 81 people missing, though it was not immediately clear whether that number had changed after the latest recoveries.
Authorities have said the building had undergone multiple unauthorized modifications over the years, including the construction of shops in areas designated for parking and along internal pathways. Investigators said those changes obstructed exits and hindered evacuation efforts.
The cause of the fire has not been determined. Officials said the investigation is ongoing.
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