In Pictures: Devastating Gul Plaza fire and ongoing rescue mission

A massive third-degree fire has gutted Gul Plaza shopping mall on Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road, claiming at least 21 lives — including a heroic firefighter — as rescue teams continue to battle the blaze and find more people under the debris.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced to form an investigation committee to determine the causes of the Gul Plaza tragedy, as “10% fire” still continues to burn after 40 hours.

Speaking to Business Recorder, Rescue 1122 Sindh Spokesperson Hassaan on Monday said the death toll had risen to 21, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said on Sunday that around 60 people were still missing.

“The search operation to find more people under the rubble is still going on,” the Rescue 1122 said.

Firefighters said the lack of ventilation in the building, which housed more than 1,200 shops, caused thick smoke to fill the mall and slowed efforts to reach people trapped inside.

READ MORE: Karachi Gul Plaza fire: Death toll rises to 21 with 60 people still missing

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