Karachi: The Commissioner Karachi has completed the final investigation report into the deadly fire at Gul Plaza and will present it to the Chief Minister of Sindh.
According to sources, the report was prepared by a committee comprising the Commissioner Karachi and the Additional Inspector General (IG). It includes detailed findings on the causes of the fire, firefighting efforts, and rescue operations, along with statements from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials.
The report states that the fire broke out at Gul Plaza at around 10:15 pm. The Fire Brigade was informed at 10:26 pm, and the first fire tender arrived at the scene within 11 minutes, reaching the building at 10:37 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner South arrived earlier at 10:30 pm, while Rescue 1122 personnel reached the site at 10:53 pm.
According to the investigation, the fire originated in a flower shop on the ground floor and was caused by the actions of a child present there. The flames spread rapidly through the building, expanding via air-conditioning ducts.
The incident resulted in 79 deaths, the report confirms. Most of the fatalities occurred on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza, where people were trapped due to the rapid spread of smoke and fire.
The report is expected to be reviewed by the Sindh government for further action and accountability.
The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday approved the relief and rehabilitation package announced earlier for victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and formed a sub-committee to review the report of a body set up to investigate the blaze that killed 73 persons.
The cabinet also allocated funds for several infrastructure, transport, water and welfare projects aimed at accelerating Karachi’s development and strengthening public service delivery.
