Gul Plaza Tragedy: Only Bones Being Recovered From Debris, Says Senior Fire Officer

Karachi: Senior Fire Officer Zafar Khan has said that following the Gul Plaza tragedy, rescue teams are no longer recovering bodies from the debris but only bones.

Talking to the media, Zafar Khan said that a fire reignited in the basement of Gul Plaza but was brought under control. He added that a diesel tank installed on the building’s roof had not been removed earlier, and a fire broke out during the process of removing it, which was also extinguished promptly.

He stated that the building’s structure has weakened significantly and that only search operations remain to be completed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said the search operation has entered its final phase and is expected to be completed today. Speaking to the media outside Gul Plaza, he said the operation is being carried out under the supervision of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), with efforts underway to conclude it as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed told Geo News that post-mortem examinations of 67 bodies have been completed so far. She said 16 bodies have been identified, including six that were recognizable. According to her, eight bodies were identified through DNA testing, one through a national identity card, and another through a locket worn around the neck.

Separately, investigation authorities have prepared a preliminary report on the Gul Plaza incident based on statements from eyewitnesses and victims. According to investigative sources, the fire broke out at an artificial flowers shop inside Gul Plaza while children were playing there. The sources said the fire was not caused by a short circuit but likely started when children were playing with matches or a lighter. The fire initially ignited shop materials and then spread to electrical wiring.

As the fire erupted, people inside the building rushed toward exits, but chaos ensued due to closed doors, leading to a deadly stampede.

It is worth mentioning that the tragic Gul Plaza incident occurred after 10pm on January 17 last week in Karachi, raising the death toll to 67.