KARACHI (HRNW): Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, has provided a grim update on the Gul Plaza fire incident, confirming that approximately 55 to 60 bodies have been recovered from the building so far. Speaking to the media, the DC South stated that a high-level investigation is underway to determine why the building’s exit gates were locked, a factor believed to have significantly contributed to the high loss of life. Statements from various witnesses and stakeholders are currently being recorded. He added that rescue personnel have re-entered the structure to conduct a thorough secondary search of the entire premises. DC Khoso further explained that the use of heavy machinery to remove debris has been temporarily halted due to fears that it might cause the weakened structure to collapse. Searching the collapsed sections remains impossible at this stage and will only resume once the debris is safely cleared. Authorities are currently collecting DNA samples from the remains and the grieving families to facilitate identification. However, officials noted that identifying some remains via DNA is proving to be exceptionally difficult due to the extent of the damage.
