The death toll from the devastating fire that broke out at a shopping mall in Pakistan’s commercial hub, Karachi, has risen to 14, as rescue operations and investigations continue.
Authorities confirmed on Monday that several victims died from severe burns and smoke inhalation after the blaze engulfed parts of the multi-storey complex. Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the fire was reported, battling thick smoke and intense flames to evacuate trapped shoppers and workers.
Officials said some of the injured remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals, raising fears that the casualty figure could still increase.
Reacting to the incident, the Governor of Sindh described the fire as a “national tragedy,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extending condolences to the families of the victims. He called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and to ensure accountability where negligence is found.
“The loss of innocent lives in this manner is heartbreaking. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to enforce safety regulations in public spaces,” the governor said in a statement.
Preliminary reports suggest that poor fire safety measures and delayed emergency response may have worsened the situation, though officials stressed that investigations are ongoing. Firefighters faced challenges accessing certain areas of the building due to blocked exits and inadequate safety infrastructure.
The incident has renewed public concern over building safety standards in Karachi, where previous fires in commercial and residential buildings have claimed dozens of lives over the years.
Government authorities have pledged to review fire safety compliance across shopping malls and other public facilities in the city to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As mourning continues, citizens and civil society groups are calling for stronger enforcement of safety laws to ensure that such disasters do not happen again.
