Final investigation report on Gul Plaza tragedy completed, key findings revealed
Pakistan
The report states that the fire initially broke out at a flower shop on the ground floor.
KARACHI (Dunya News) - The final investigation report on the Gul Plaza tragedy has been completed, with key details of the tragedy now coming to light.
According to officials, Karachi Commissioner has finalised the investigative report and will present it to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The report was prepared by a committee comprising the Karachi Commissioner and the Additional Inspector General of Police.
Sources said the report includes detailed findings on the causes of the fire, firefighting efforts, and rescue operations. It also contains information gathered from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials involved in the response.
The report states that the fire initially broke out at a flower shop on the ground floor, reportedly due to the actions of a child. The flames spread rapidly and intensified through air-conditioning ducts, causing the fire to engulf multiple sections of the building.
According to the investigation, the tragic incident resulted in 79 fatalities, with the majority of deaths occurring on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza.
The report further revealed that the fire erupted at approximately 10:15 pm. The first fire tender reached the scene at 10:37 pm, while the Deputy Commissioner South arrived at the location at around 10:30 pm.
Authorities noted that the mezzanine floor suffered the heaviest loss of life due to rapid smoke spread and limited escape routes. The findings are expected to play a crucial role in determining responsibility and improving fire safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
