KARACHI — Rescue teams working through the debris of a collapsed commercial building in Karachi’s Saddar area made a grim discovery on Tuesday, recovering at least 20 bodies from a single shop as efforts continued to search for survivors trapped under the rubble.
The building, known locally as Gul Plaza, came down abruptly, sending shockwaves through the densely populated commercial district and leaving families anxiously waiting for news of missing relatives. Officials said the recovery operation remains ongoing, with fears that the death toll could rise further as deeper sections of the wreckage are cleared.
According to rescue officials, several victims were found buried together inside a shop located on the lower floors of the structure, suggesting many were unable to escape when the building gave way. Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove large concrete slabs, while emergency responders work cautiously to avoid triggering further collapses.
Chaos and Desperation at the Site
Scenes of distress unfolded at the site as relatives gathered near the cordoned-off area, many pleading with authorities for updates. Some family members reported that their loved ones were working inside the building when it collapsed, while others said shopkeepers had remained inside despite visible structural concerns.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the building collapsed, followed by clouds of dust and panic as people rushed to the scene.
Questions Over Building Safety
Preliminary information suggests the structure was old and may not have met safety standards. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the cause of the collapse, focusing on construction quality, maintenance records, and whether illegal modifications were made over time.
City officials acknowledged longstanding concerns over unsafe commercial buildings in Karachi and admitted enforcement gaps have allowed hazardous structures to remain occupied.
Rescue Operation Continues
Rescue officials said operations will continue around the clock until all trapped individuals are recovered. Medical teams remain on standby, although hopes of finding survivors are fading as hours pass.
The provincial government has ordered an immediate inspection of nearby buildings and promised accountability once investigations are complete.
As Karachi mourns yet another tragedy linked to urban neglect, renewed calls are growing for stricter enforcement of building regulations to prevent future loss of life.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.