Death toll in Karachi mall fire rises to at least 14 in Pakistan

"The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Karachi over the weekend has risen to at least 14, according to Pakistani authorities, as the search for more than 50 missing people continues. South deputy inspector general of police, Syed Asad Raza, told the Dawn newspaper on Monday that eight more bodies had been recovered since Sunday evening by rescue personnel, taking the death toll from six to 14."

"Firefighters managed to bring the massive blaze under control after about 36 hours, allowing rescue teams to enter the building to rescue those trapped inside. However, officials warned that the building is now extremely unstable and could collapse at any moment. Later on Monday, rescue chief operating officer Abid Jalal told Dawn that firefighting efforts had restarted, as flames continued to emerge on a portion of the mall."

At least 14 people have died and more than 50 remain missing following a major fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi. Rescue teams recovered additional bodies and brought five to a local hospital. Police and rescue personnel are using mobile phone data and contacting families to trace between 54 and 59 missing people, while provincial figures have suggested more than 70 missing. Firefighters largely controlled the blaze after about 36 hours, but flames continued to re-emerge and the building remains extremely unstable. Officials opened a police investigation; an electrical short circuit was initially suspected but not confirmed. Shopkeepers and residents reported delayed response and water shortages during firefighting.

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