Rescue workers recovered two more bodies, including that of a child, from Karachi’s Gul Plaza on Monday, raising the death toll from the deadly inferno to 26.
The help desk, set up by the Sindh government, stated that the number of missing persons has increased to 76 after three more names were added to the list.
Separately, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Asad Raza confirmed the identification of another body as Tanveer Ahmed Khan, a resident of Korangi 4, who worked as a salesman in Gul Plaza.
His name was previously listed among the missing, DIG Raza said, adding that the identification was confirmed through the victim’s ID card.
Meanwhile, an information desk has been set up outside the Civil Hospital morgue, where families of the missing are providing information about clothing, physical features and birthmarks of their loved ones.
Authorities are also collecting blood samples of relatives to assist in the identification of bodies.
The rescue operation on the first floor of the building has been completed, fire brigade officials said, adding that teams have entered the second floor for further work.
DIG Raza said that six bodies had so far been identified, with identification of others only possible after DNA tests.
He added that 69 have been reported missing so far.
DIG Raza stated that the last known location of 32 missing individuals was traced to Gul Plaza, adding that the situation around the building, including at Rimpa Plaza, was under control.
Fire brigade officials later confirmed that a blaze had reignited on the third floor, as rescue and firefighting operations continued.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site, where he was briefed by the District South deputy commissioner and the chief fire officer on the search and rescue operation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab confirmed that 18 bodies had so far been identified, while 65 people were still reported missing.