Fire at mall in Pakistan kills at least 23 people; dozens missing
Updated on: January 19, 2026 / 8:21 AM EST / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- The death toll from a Karachi shopping plaza fire has risen to 23, with dozens still missing.
- Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 24 hours, and bodies are being recovered from the damaged building.
- Many bodies are unrecognizable and will require DNA testing for identification.
- The Sindh provincial government will provide 10 million rupees ($36,000) in compensation to each victim's family.
- The fire started at Gul Plaza, which houses 1,200 shops, and spread quickly due to flammable materials.
- Shopowners and relatives of the missing are gathered at the site, awaiting news.
- The cause of the fire is unknown, and an investigation is underway.
- Karachi has a history of deadly fires linked to poor safety standards.