Gul Plaza fire in Karachi: 67 fatalities, 77 individuals unaccounted for; Deputy Commissioner South dismisses short circuit as cause.

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso reported on Thursday that at least 67 individuals have been confirmed deceased, with several others still unaccounted for, following the catastrophic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi.

The deputy commissioner informed the reporters that the occurrence would not be only ascribed to a short circuit and that a thorough investigation is currently in progress. He stated that rescue activities were ongoing within the compromised building, despite the structure’s highly perilous condition.

Heavy machinery was briefly suspended to permit rescue crews safe entry, he cautioned, and warned that the structure might collapse at any moment due to significant structural damage.

As per the DC South, around 40 percent of the plaza has already succumbed to collapse. Search operations have concluded in all accessible locations, save for the sections that have collapsed on both sides of the structure. Rescue teams are persistently endeavoring to recover any potential bodies entombed beneath the debris.

Khoso implored the public to refrain from depending on unsubstantiated information disseminated over social media, stating that official updates will be provided as investigations advanced. He emphasized that, due to the magnitude of the fire, authorities could not only ascertain that it was instigated by an electrical short circuit. “Every facet is under scrutiny,” he stated, noting that a comprehensive investigation is underway.

He additionally stated that inquiries were concentrating on the building’s access points, namely which doors were open and which were closed during the fire. Witness statements concerning the doors had already been documented. Any person or entity deemed culpable of negligence would encounter repercussions, he stated.

The deputy commissioner reported that roughly 67 individuals had perished in the tragedy. He stated that 77 individuals have been officially designated as missing, but rescue operations persist in searching for potential bodies beneath the rubble. Subsequently, officials confirmed that a total of 86 individuals had been reported missing, based on updates obtained during the continuing operation.

Authorities have verified the identification of 14 victims to yet, with eight identified via DNA analysis. Post-mortem tests on 48 corpses have been finalized, while the identification process for the other casualties is ongoing in collaboration with pertinent departments.

Khoso stated that notices were being dispatched to structures deficient in adequate fire safety measures. To yet, six structures have received citations for noncompliance with fire safety regulations, as authorities initiated broader inspections in the vicinity.

Tanveer Pasta, President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, dismissed allegations that market exits were obstructed. He stated that all pathways throughout the market were accessible, including the emergency ramp. He stated that two evacuation passages from the mosque were also accessible during the fire. He stated that, had the electricity not been interrupted, even those who successfully fled would not have been able to exit safely.

The deputy commissioner acknowledged that Rescue 1122 had been directed to perform a final search operation at Gul Plaza. Upon the completion of the final search, the building will be razed due to safety issues.

The Sindh Building Control Authority will be responsible for dismantling the structure. A prior SBCA investigation had deemed the structure hazardous and unsuitable for occupancy, facilitating its intended demolition after the completion of rescue operations.