A tragic fire at Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s worst shopping centre disasters, was accidentally triggered by a child, according to a final inquiry report. The fire, which broke out on the night of January 17, caused massive loss of life and property.
The report confirmed that at least 79 people died, with most fatalities occurring on the mezzanine floor. Families were seen collecting the remains of their loved ones in shopping bags in the heartbreaking aftermath of the tragedy.
A high-level committee, including Karachi Commissioner and Police Chief Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan, prepared the report. It details the fire’s cause, firefighting efforts, rescue operations, and information from eyewitnesses, victims, and rescue teams.
According to the findings, the fire was triggered at a flower shop on the ground floor when a child accidentally started the blaze. Flames quickly spread through air-conditioning ducts, engulfing upper floors within minutes. The fire began at approximately 10:15 pm, and the fire brigade was alerted at 10:26 pm. The first fire tender reached the site by 10:37 pm, while the Deputy Commissioner South arrived at 10:30 pm. Rescue 1122 teams reached the scene at 10:53 pm.
Sources said the final report will be formally presented to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah by the Karachi Commissioner. The findings highlight serious safety lapses and stress the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety rules in commercial buildings.
The search operation at Gul Plaza has now been completed, and the building has been sealed. The last recovered body was confirmed through DNA testing, although the victim’s identity could not be verified. In total, 80 citizens reported missing relatives. DNA samples were collected from 69 families, while 13 families have yet to provide samples.
The tragedy has left Karachi shocked, raising questions about fire safety standards and emergency preparedness. Officials warned that similar incidents could be triggered if safety regulations are not strictly enforced in the future.
In other news read more about: Eyewitness Recounts Harrowing Escape From Gul Plaza Fire
