Investigation Reveals Cause of Tragic Gul Plaza Blaze
An official investigation into the devastating Gul Plaza fire has blamed a child for triggering the deadly incident. The probe was conducted under the supervision of the Karachi Commissioner. The tragic fire broke out on the night of January 17 at the well-known shopping center in Karachi. At least 79 people lost their lives in the incident, making it one of the city’s deadliest commercial building fires.
The investigative report was prepared by a committee that included the Karachi Commissioner and the Additional Inspector General of Police. The report provides a detailed account of how the fire started and how it spread rapidly through the building. It also documents firefighting efforts, rescue operations, and statements from survivors, eyewitnesses, and emergency responders.
According to the findings, the fire originated on the ground floor of Gul Plaza at around 10:15 pm. Fire brigade officials received the emergency call at 10:26 pm. The first fire tender arrived at the site at 10:37 pm. The Deputy Commissioner South Karachi reached the location at 10:30 pm, while Rescue 1122 teams arrived at 10:53 pm.
Fire Spread Quickly Through Building Structure
Local media reports citing sources familiar with the inquiry revealed that the fire began at a flower shop on the ground floor. The report states that a child was responsible for starting the fire. The flames then spread rapidly through the building’s air-conditioning ducts. This design flaw allowed smoke and fire to reach upper levels within minutes.
Most of the victims were trapped on the mezzanine floor. The report confirms that the majority of deaths occurred there due to heavy smoke inhalation. Poor ventilation and blocked escape routes worsened the situation. The rapid spread of toxic smoke left little time for occupants to escape safely.
The report also highlighted challenges faced during rescue operations. Narrow staircases and overcrowded floors made evacuation difficult. Emergency teams struggled to reach trapped individuals due to intense heat and limited visibility. These factors significantly increased the death toll.
Search Operations, Identification, and Future Action
Authorities have now halted debris removal and search operations at Gul Plaza. The building has been handed over to the Karachi Building Control Authority. Structural experts will decide whether the building should be demolished or partially removed. The structure has been secured with green safety netting, and police and Rangers personnel have been deployed around the site.
According to official reports, 49 people are still missing. Identification efforts are ongoing through DNA analysis. DNA samples of more than 55 individuals have been collected so far. Authorities have identified 24 victims, including 17 through DNA testing and seven through visual identification. However, officials stated that DNA extraction from some remains is proving difficult, which may delay further identifications.
The administration has urged the public and affected families to avoid entering the restricted area. Officials stressed that unnecessary access could lead to further accidents. Monitoring of the site continues around the clock.
Final decisions regarding complete debris removal or demolition will be made by experts from the Sindh Building Control Authority. Authorities have also emphasized the need for stricter fire safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
