KARACHI: Authorities have successfully identified 69 victims of the devastating Gul Plaza fire, utilizing a combination of DNA analysis and “proof of presence” techniques. The latest update was provided following the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory’s release of results for 15 more missing individuals.
Officials overseeing the identification efforts explained that 42 of the victims have been confirmed through proof of presence methods, while 22 were identified via DNA testing. The remaining identifications relied on mobile phone location data and other scientific approaches to establish the victims’ presence at the scene.
Project coordinators emphasized that as DNA testing options have been exhausted, investigators are increasingly depending on proof of presence to confirm identities. The process remains ongoing, with authorities working diligently to ensure that all affected families receive precise and reliable information about their loved ones.
The tragedy at Gul Plaza, one of the deadliest fires in Karachi’s recent history, continues to demand meticulous identification procedures before any official announcements are made.
Judicial Inquiry Initiated
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has announced the formation of a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident. A formal letter has been sent to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, requesting the appointment of a sitting judge to oversee the investigation, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon revealed on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference, Memon stated that the government’s decision for a judicial probe was made to ensure transparency and credibility, emphasizing that the move was independent of political pressure. “We want this inquiry to be as transparent as possible, so that no doubts or accusations of bias can be raised later,” he said. “We are committed to conducting an impartial investigation and will not succumb to external influences.”
Findings from the Initial Investigation
The preliminary investigation into the tragic fire has uncovered multiple safety violations, delayed emergency responses, and structural deficiencies that contributed to the fire’s rapid escalation, trapping numerous individuals inside.
The report indicates that the fire originated when a matchstick ignited artificial flowers in Shop No. 193 on the ground floor. The presence of highly combustible materials caused the flames to spread within minutes, transforming the incident into a major disaster. Investigators noted that firefighting efforts were hindered by delays in water supply and inadequate equipment. The fire brigade faced significant challenges due to the absence of essential fire safety systems, such as alarms and sprinklers. Additionally, a delay in shutting off the electricity supply allowed the fire to intensify further. Emergency exits were blocked or insufficient, and thick smoke quickly filled stairwells and hallways, making rescue operations more difficult.
The inquiry revealed that Gul Plaza’s design violated basic fire safety standards, which accelerated the fire’s spread. Fire safety audits were either ignored or never implemented, the report states.Rescue officials reported that they received the initial alert at 10:36 am, but the response was delayed because fire tenders ran out of water shortly after arriving. Due to water shortages, fire engines had to return to refill, allowing the fire to grow unchecked.
The report also pointed out that access to the building was severely restricted by narrow entry points, sealed windows, and blocked gates, complicating rescue efforts. The lack of proper tools for cutting iron grills and the presence of heavy smoke and heat rendered rescue operations life-threatening for emergency personnel.
Furthermore, the investigation criticized the oversight of Karachi police in crowd control and coordination during the emergency. Several victims remained trapped on the mezzanine floor due to limited access and inadequate equipment.In conclusion, the report highlighted negligence by the building management as a primary factor behind the disaster. It also stressed that existing resources for firefighting in the area were insufficient to handle such large-scale incidents. Authorities are expected to take further measures based on the findings of this comprehensive investigation.
