The death toll from the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping centre climbed to 26 on Monday, with 28 people injured and dozens still missing, as rescue teams continued operations amid fears the damaged building could collapse at any moment.

The fire broke out around 10.00 p.m. on Saturday on the ground floor of the plaza, located on MA Jinnah Road, and rapidly spread to the third floor.

Several portions of the building collapsed due to the intensity of the blaze.

Rescue officials said 18 more bodies were recovered from the debris on Monday, many of them unidentifiable.

Human remains and body parts have been shifted to hospitals for DNA testing.

Authorities have issued a list of 70 missing persons, while families continue to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.

Rescue operations have been intensified, with teams entering the structure and using thermal cameras to locate survivors or bodies.

During search efforts on the second floor, flames reignited, forcing firefighters to resume dousing operations. Falling debris has further increased the risk to rescuers.

Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes inside the building at the time of the fire.

In one clip, trapped individuals could be heard urging others to break doors to escape alive, while in another, shopkeepers and customers were seen using mobile phone flashlights to navigate through darkness and thick smoke.

Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi told reporters that 13 of the 26 recovered bodies had so far been identified, while DNA testing would be required for others.

He said 75 missing persons reports had been filed. An inquiry committee has launched investigations, though the immediate focus remains on rescue and recovery.

The Deputy Commissioner South’s complaint cell has released details of the missing persons, most aged between 15 and 40 years, including several women.

Authorities have contacted families and called them to hospitals to assist with identification.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said authorities were considering alternative arrangements for the affected traders. He pointed to irregularities in the building’s layout, noting that while 1,021 shops were regularised, around 1,200 were operating at the plaza. He said responsibility would be determined after investigations.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Tariq said relatives had been asked to provide DNA samples, warning that the identification process would take time.

The chief fire officer said the remaining structure was extremely dangerous, and clearing the debris could take up to 15 to 17 days.

Heavy machinery has begun removing debris from three sides of the building, while generators have been taken down from the rooftop.

Smoke continues to billow from the windows as anxious relatives remain gathered at the site, hoping for news.

Officials have repeatedly urged the public to stay away from the area, warning that any further collapse could prove deadly as rescue operations continue.

In solidarity with the victims, the traders’ community announced the closure of all electronics and mobile phone markets in Karachi on Monday, with Quran recitation and prayers held.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori and the chief minister visited the site, pledging support and compensation for affected traders.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also contacted the Sindh chief minister, directing authorities to deploy all available resources for rescue and firefighting and to ensure strict enforcement of fire safety laws.