, Jan. 20 -- The death toll from a major fire at a shopping plaza in Karachi climbed to 23 on Monday as rescue teams pulled more bodies from the heavily damaged structure, police said, while dozens of people are still unaccounted for.

The blaze, which broke out on Sunday, was brought under control late that night-almost 24 hours later-allowing rescuers to begin searching inside the multistory building. City police chief Asad Raza said authorities are concerned the number of fatalities could increase as efforts continue to locate 46 missing individuals.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Raza said only six victims have been identified so far. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said most of the bodies were badly burned and unrecognizable, ma...